The Laryngoscope 2003; 113(2):226-227

Bordetella pertussis Causing Otitis Media: A Case Report

Michael E. Decherd, MD; Ronald W. Deskin, MD; Judith L. Rowen, MD; Mace B. Brindley, MS

Objective/Hypothesis:

Bordetella pertussis is an unusual cause of otitis media with effusion. We report a case in a neonate.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods:

A case is presented.

Results:

A 1-month-old infant girl was admitted because of respiratory distress and subsequently was found to have pertussis. On examination she was noted to have a middle ear effusion. Myringotomy was performed for culture. Culture confirmed B pertussis. We were unable to find a previous report of B pertussis otitis media.

Conclusion:

Bordetella pertussis has been identified in the middle ear effusion of an infant with the pertussis syndrome.

Key Words: Bordetella pertussis; otitis media; whooping cough; case report

From the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (m.e.d., r.w.d., m.b.b.) and the Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease (j.l.r.), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.

Editor's Note: This Manuscript was accepted for publication September 26, 2002.

Send Correspondence to Ronald W. Deskin, MD, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Route 0521, Galveston, TX 77555, U.S.A. E-mail: rwdeskin@utmb.edu

The Laryngoscope 2003; 113(2):226-227

Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.