Microbiology of recurrent and chronic otitis media with effusion.

A study was conducted of 274 children who had recurrent acute or chronic otitis media with effusion. Forty-five percent of the ears with effusion were found to contain bacteria, and 11% contained bacteria that were "probable pathogens" (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and S. pyogenes). Bacteria were also found in 40% of the ears without effusions. The type of organism found did not vary with the age of the patient studied or the season of the year. The significance of these bacteria in the etiology of recurrent acute or chronic otitis media with effusion remains to be demonstrated.