Microbiology of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Children

Abstract

The aerobic microorganisms present in 57 MEs of 40 children with C Supp OM without cholesteatoma were evaluated. Specimens were taken directly from the ME through a patent perforation or tympanostomy tube and cultured using standard techniques. Twenty-six organisms were identified, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prevalent (65% of ears) and the only organism in 30% of ears. The initial treatment of all patients was intravenous administration of an antimicrobial selected on the basis of culture and susceptibility reports. This treatment was successful in all but four children, who subsequently required tympanomastoid surgery. These results indicate that the microbiology of C Supp OM is similar to that in patients with cholesteatoma. However, based on the results of culture and susceptibility studies, medical therapy provides a viable alternative to major mastoid surgery in the management of C Supp OM without cholesteatoma.