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Complicated suppurative otitis media in a Greek diver due to a marine halophilic vibrio sp.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Tsakris*
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Microbiology, Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece
A. Psifidis
Affiliation:
Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
J. Douboyas
Affiliation:
Department of and Microbiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
*
Professor J. Douboyas, Department of Microbiology, 1 Kyriakidis Street, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Abstract

Halophilic vibrios are distinct from non-cholera vibrios and have been recognized increasingly as potentially pathogenic bacteria in extraintestinal infections. A case of suppurative chronic otitis media in a Greek diver with Vibrio alginolyticus recovered from an ear drainage culture, is reported. The patient received appropriate antimicrobial therapy and her hearing improved significantly after a tympanoplasty type I was performed.

The association of halophilic Vibrio spp. infections with prolonged seawater contact, particularly in subtropical climates, is discussed. In swimmers with extensive exposure to salt water, individual preventive measures and aetiological treatment of ear infections seems to be required in order to reduce the severity of possible Vibrio spp. ear infections.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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