MICROORGANISMS IN CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION

Abstract

A total of 100 patient with otitis media effusion obtained from patients suffering from chronic otitis media with effusions was examined for bacterial smear and culture. In mucoid effusion 82% showed positive bacterial smear, only 35% yielded positive bacterial culture. Bacterial cultures rate was higher in serous (50%) effusion. The isolation of common pathogens accounted for the remaining 42%. The high incidence of microorganisms in the middle ear effusions in the present study indicates bacterial contribution in many cases of otitis media effusion. Concerning the sterile nature of the middle ear fluid some investigators suggested that the effusions are transudates and are created by a negative pressure in the tympanum due to a malfunctioning Eustachian tube.2 It was suggested that failure to isolate organisms may be partly due to the antimicrobial characteristics of effusions. The purpose of this study is to show possible role of bacteria in Middle Ear Effusions. Key Words: Otitis Media, Effusion, Microorganisms.