Otitis Media caused by susceptible pneumococci

Otitis Media caused by Susceptible Pneumococci

Otitis media (OM) is inflammation of the middle ear. It is the most commonly encountered childhood illness, affecting up to two-thirds of all children before the age of three. OM is generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection that progresses when the Eustachian tube is blocked. All age groups can be affected by OM, but young children are more susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal. It is believed that pneumococcal bacteria are responsible for most cases of OM.

Pneumococci are gram-positive, round-shaped cocci that are part of the normal respiratory flora in humans and other animals. They are also known to cause illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis. Pneumococci belong to the Streptococcus pneumoniae species and are categorized into serotypes based on their capsular polysaccharides. They are the leading cause of OM in children, but not all serotypes are equally susceptible to causing OM.

Susceptible Serotypes

Studies have shown that certain serotypes of pneumococci are more likely to cause OM than others. The following serotypes are most commonly associated with causing OM: 3, 6A, 6B, 9V, 14, 19A, 19F, 23F, and 11A.

Prevention

Prevention of pneumococcal OM is possible with the use of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV). The currently available formulations consist of 7, 10, and 13-valent vaccines that help protect against the most virulent serotypes of pneumococcal infection. Vaccination is recommended for all children and is especially important for those at high risk for OM due to an underlying condition such as cleft palate.

It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, to reduce the spread of pneumococcal infection. It is also important to get prompt care for any sign or symptom of infection in order to prevent the spread and prevent complications.