Drug Resistant 'Superbug' Linked to Ear Infections in Children
October 17, 2007 by
According to the Department of Health and Human Services news release, a new "superbug" is getting into children causing major ear infections that can only be treated by multiple adult antibiotics.
The report done by two Rochester, New York, pediatricians found that a multiple antibiotic resistant strain of "Streptococcus pneumoniae" that has caused ear infections in nine children in their practices over the last three years. The only medication that
actually killed the bacteria was a drug called levofloxacin which is not approved by the FDA for use in children.
Dr. Michael Pichichero, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who completed the study with his colleagues, did see over 1,800 children with ear infections. Out of those 1,800 children, 212 of them had ear taps which help to drain liquid from behind the ear drum. When this procedure is done, the child is given a local anesthetic so that pain is not felt. By using this particular procedure, the researchers had found that 59 of those 212 patients did have ear infections that were caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae. A specific strain, dubbed the "legacy" strain by doctors was found to only infect nine of those 1,800 children. This finding is only 1.5 percent of their entire practice.
Luckily in these nine specific cases who were very close to losing their hearing, Pichichero knew exactly how much medication to administer to the children since he had studied the use of the levofloxacin in children in a previous study.
Pichichero who prepared a statement regarding the new findings states "We found a superbug causing ear infections in Rochester -- the Legacy strain -- that's resistant to all antibiotics approved by the FDA for use in children,". he also went on to say, the "FDA has put significant barriers for the use of the antibiotics in children."
To read the complete study to be published October 17, go to The Journal of the American Medical Association.
The report done by two Rochester, New York, pediatricians found that a multiple antibiotic resistant strain of "Streptococcus pneumoniae" that has caused ear infections in nine children in their practices over the last three years. The only medication that
Drug Resistant 'Superbug' Linked to Ear Infections in Children
Dr. Michael Pichichero, a professor of microbiology, immunology and pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center, who completed the study with his colleagues, did see over 1,800 children with ear infections. Out of those 1,800 children, 212 of them had ear taps which help to drain liquid from behind the ear drum. When this procedure is done, the child is given a local anesthetic so that pain is not felt. By using this particular procedure, the researchers had found that 59 of those 212 patients did have ear infections that were caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae. A specific strain, dubbed the "legacy" strain by doctors was found to only infect nine of those 1,800 children. This finding is only 1.5 percent of their entire practice.
Luckily in these nine specific cases who were very close to losing their hearing, Pichichero knew exactly how much medication to administer to the children since he had studied the use of the levofloxacin in children in a previous study.
Pichichero who prepared a statement regarding the new findings states "We found a superbug causing ear infections in Rochester -- the Legacy strain -- that's resistant to all antibiotics approved by the FDA for use in children,". he also went on to say, the "FDA has put significant barriers for the use of the antibiotics in children."
To read the complete study to be published October 17, go to The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Prescribing antibiotics for ear infections in children was once a common prescription. But now parents are told to try the "wait-and-see" approach for their child's ear infections instead. As a parent, are you aware of what this is and why it is recommended?
By Minister Faith | Published 3/19/2007 | Read more »
A once rare skin infection which is resistant to drugs is making a come back. Bugs spread has scientists and doctors puzzled as they scramble to find a treatment.
By K2 | Published 9/1/2006 | Read more »
This paper examines the legality of mandatory anthrax vaccinations for U.S. military personnel. It discusses the anthrax disease, the threat posed by anthrax, the vaccine, and the legal arguments for and against mandatory vaccination.
By Greg Reeson | Published 7/3/2006 | Read more »
Due to the actions of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, almost one-fourth of the country's population died while many more Cambodians became refugees, many of who fled to the United States.
By Shane Carney | Published 4/5/2006 | Read more »
The treatments of bipolar disorder are dicussed. Included pharmocological, psychotherapy, ECT treatments.
By Eileen Burke | Published 3/11/2007 | Read more »
Article dealing with PTSD and it's effects on the veterans of war.
By Malenurse | Published 7/6/2007 | Read more »
|
|
Most Comments Today
- Death at Disney World in Orlando, Florida Monorails collide one driver has died at the Disney World Theme Park in Orlan... 28 Comments
- Why Would a Web Writer Drop DayLife.Com? Before I share my story with you, dear readers, I want to point out that Dayl... 20 Comments
- A Little Good News Today Here is...a little good news today. 20 Comments
- Forty is Fierce! I passed forty up a couple of years ago so I think I am now qualified to comm... 15 Comments
- Powerful Anesthetic Diprivan Found in Michael Jackson's H... Authorities have announced that a powerful anesthetic called Diprivan was fou... 15 Comments
- Healthy Eating or "Nickeled and Dimed" into Disease - Whi... Just an educated guess at what causes some of our crazy modern-day health pro... 15 Comments
Becky G.
Posted on 11/13/2007 at 10:11:00 AM
Posted on 10/23/2007 at 1:10:00 PM
iamneurotica
Posted on 10/22/2007 at 9:10:00 PM
P. L. Ward
Posted on 10/21/2007 at 1:10:00 PM
cathiesbloggs
Posted on 10/18/2007 at 7:10:00 PM
Kelly H.
Posted on 10/18/2007 at 10:10:00 AM
Posted on 10/17/2007 at 12:10:00 PM