Middle ear pathogens in otitis-prone children.

A cohort of 191 children with recurrent otitis media and persistent middle ear effusion underwent myringotomy and tubes, at which time middle ear cultures were taken. The indications, fluid type, culture and sensitivity results, and pre- and post-procedure frequency of otitis media were evaluated. Sixty-seven percent of the effusions were mucoid in nature, and 24% of cultures grew pathogens, including Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus in that order of frequency. A relatively high rate of antibiotic resistance was noted, with 75% of Streptococcus pneumoniae being penicillin resistant. Prognosis with respect to recurrent otitis media was favorable after myringotomy and tubes, even in children with antibiotic-resistant organisms.