Evaluation of Concordance Between the Microorganisms Detected in the Nasopharynx and Middle Ear of Children With Otitis Media

摘要

Studies of microorganisms involved in otitis media (OM) in children often use a nasopharyngeal (NP) sample as a proxy for the middle ear fluid (MEF) to test for bacteria and viruses.1"1 Obtaining an MEF sample when the tympanic membrane is intact involves tympanocentesis or myringotomy. While this procedure may be indicated for selected patients in clinical practice, in a research setting one can face practical and medical ethical conflicts.5 The question is whether studies using NP samples provide an accurate estimate of the prevalences of the various microorganisms involved in OM. This is of particular importance in studies of the impact of antibiotic treatment or vaccination against microorganisms causing OM, where it is essential that valid estimates of these potential pathogens are used.