Simultaneous Assay for Four Bacterial Species Including Alloiococcus otitidis Using Multiplex-PCR in Children With Culture Negative Acute Otitis Media

Abstract

Conventional culture detected otopathogens in MEF of children with a bulging TM in 71%; using multiplex-PCR, otopathogens were detected in 88% of MEF (P < 0.01). Similar improved detection of otopathogens was noted with nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cultures.