Coexisting Viral (Respiratory Syncytial) And Bacterial (Pneumococcus) Otitis Media In Children

Abstract

The occurrence of respiratory syncytial virus and bacteria in otitis media during RS virus infection was studied at a nursery. Middle ear aspirates were cultured for isolation of viruses and bacteria. Antibody responses to the isolated agents were followed. Otitis media was established in 11 of the 13 infected children. RS virus and Diplococcus pneumoniae type XIV were isolated from the middle ear exudates of 5 children. Both agents were simultaneously present in the exudates of 3 children. RS virus and Diplococcus pneumoniae were each isolated from one child. It was not possible to judge from the appearance of the ear drum or from the condition of the exudate the kind of agent present. The aetiologic relationship bet-ween the isolated agents and the observed infection is discussed as well as the value of prophylactic antibiotic treatment.