Do bacteriahave arole in the genesis of otitis mediawith effusion ? : the lebanese experience

Abstract FRE

Background:Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most frequent diseases in the pediatric population.The ongoing incrimination of bacteria in the pathogenesis of OME may have therapeutic implications.

Objective: To describe the pathogens cultured from the middle ear effusion of Lebanese children with persistent OME.

Methods: Seventeen consecutive children (29 ears) undergoing tympanostomy tube insertion for persistent OME unresponsive to medical treatment were enrolled between January 2011 and January 2012.The middle ear effusion was sent for bacteriological analysis and Gram staining.

Results:No bacteria were isolated.

A small sample, lack of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) use, bacterial biofilms and other possible causes for this discordance between our results and the literature are discussed.

Conclusion: Our study shows no bacterial origin in the genesis of OME.

Further larger studies using PCR are needed to determine OME microbiology in Lebanon