Abstract

To determine the bacterial etiology of acute middle ear infections in preschool age children. This prospective descriptive clinical study was implemented in Marmaris town between November, 2008 and May, 2009 with 80 cases. Their age ranged from 2 - 6. One fourth of the cases were preschoolers. The diagnosis of acute middle ear infection was confirmed by an otolaryngologist following a pediatrician and paracentesis that was performed. Bacterial culture was done in regular conditions and antibacterial resistance was assessed with disk diffusion method.Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent etiologic agent. It was followed byHaemophilus influenzae (15%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6%) in order of frequency. The penicillin resistance rate of pneumococci was 24%.

Key words: Child, infection, middle ear infection.