Abstract
The microbiology of acute otitis media (AOM) is linked to the nasopharyngeal commensal flora. This respiratory ecosystem undergoes various selective pressures, such as antibiotic consumption and vaccine use. Socio-economic conditions also influence the bacterial composition of the nasopharynx. Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and group A Streptococcus are the leading causes of bacterial AOM worldwide. This paper will discuss the causes and consequences of recent shifts in the underlying microbiology of AOM.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
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Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
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Child, Preschool
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Haemophilus influenzae / drug effects
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Haemophilus influenzae / isolation & purification
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Humans
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Incidence
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Infant
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Moraxella catarrhalis / drug effects
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Moraxella catarrhalis / isolation & purification
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Nasopharynx / microbiology*
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Otitis Media / epidemiology
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Otitis Media / microbiology*
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Streptococcus pneumoniae / drug effects
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Streptococcus pneumoniae / isolation & purification
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Streptococcus pyogenes / drug effects
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Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification