Study Links Ear Drops with an Increase in Resistant Bacteria
Newswise -- Eardrops, widely prescribed for the treatment of pediatric ear infection, can lead to an increase in resistant bacteria and fungi in the ear, according to Glenn Isaacson, MD, professor and chair of otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at Temple University School of Medicine. Isaacson presented his findings Jan. 25, 2004 at the Eastern Sectional Meeting of the Society of Laryngology, Otology and Rhinology.
Traditionally, doctors have prescribed oral antibiotics for the treatment of ear infection, one of the most common disorders in children. In 1998, however, eardrops containing a very broad-spectrum antibiotic, fluoroquinolone, were introduced and billed as the treatment of choice. Recently, experts have raised concerns about overuse of the ear drops and the development of resistant bacteria.
"Resistant bacteria develop when antibiotics are used inappropriately. We were concerned because there was little study on the impact of these eardrops on bacteria and fungal growth in the ear," explained Isaacson, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Temple University Children's Medical Center.
A pilot study, which found a link between eardrops and ear fungus in children who had undergone ear tube surgery, prompted the researchers to explore the link further. In examining samples from children taken before and after the introduction of the eardrops, they discovered a significant increase in resistant bacteria and fungi in children who had used the eardrops.
To combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, experts recommend prescribing antibiotics judiciously, targeting them specifically to the individual types of bacteria. "Since ear drops containing fluouroquinolone are an important treatment for certain types of ear infection, proper usage is critical to preserve their strength and prevent the development of resistant bacteria," said Isaacson.
Overall, Isaacson recommends avoiding antibiotics when infections are minor; using oral antibiotics for ear infection in young children; using ear drops for ear infection in older children judiciously and combining ear drainage and antibiotics for recurring ear infections.
Source: Temple University
Comprehensive Strategies in Wound Care: Insights From Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD
November 22nd 2024Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD, discusses effective wound care strategies, including debridement techniques, offloading modalities, appropriate dressing selection, compression therapy, and nutritional needs for optimal healing outcomes.
The Leapfrog Group and the Positive Effect on Hospital Hand Hygiene
November 21st 2024The Leapfrog Group enhances hospital safety by publicizing hand hygiene performance, improving patient safety outcomes, and significantly reducing health care-associated infections through transparent standards and monitoring initiatives.
Why Clinical Expertise Is the Cornerstone to Your Most Profitable Business Line
November 14th 2024Perioperative nurses bring vital skills in patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement. They enhance surgical outcomes and support health care systems during complex, high-risk procedures.
Strengthening Defenses: Integrating Infection Control With Antimicrobial Stewardship
October 11th 2024Use this handout to explain the basics of why infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship are essential and how the 2 fields must have a unified approach to patient and staff safety
Blood Product Overtransfusion Is a Global Issue: Here Are 5 Reasons the Practice Must Change
October 9th 2024If a patient receives treatment or therapy that they do not need, it can cause unnecessary harm. This is true for medications, surgeries, and medical procedures, especially blood transfusions.
