Turicella otitidis
Published 21.7.21
The Bacteria
Turicella otitidis is anaerobic, non-motile, pleomorphic, gram-positive bacillus – it is similar to coryneform but longer.
It produces a convex whitish/cream coloured non-haemolytic colony.
CAMP test positive.
DNase and Catalase positive.
Oxidase negative.
It is often misidentified as Corynebacterium by some commercial systems.
Pathogenicity – Otitis media
Turicella is a commensal of the external auditory canal.
Turicella otitidis have frequently been isolated from the middle ear of children with otitis media (OM) with effusion.
Pathogens most commonly implicated in otitis media (OM) are – Streptococcus pneumoniae, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), and Moraxella catarrhalis.
These bacteria enter the middle ear via the eustachian tube. OM may occur following a viral upper respiratory tract infection. The viral infection impairs the eustachian tube’s function, increases mucous production, and helps the bacteria establish an infection in the middle ear. These bacteria may form biofilms making the infection difficult to treat.
The role of Turicella otitidis (Alloiococcus otitidis) in otitis media is not established – a recent review suggested that it is possible that these organisms are co-pathogens and may contribute to the persistence and recurrence of otitis media.
They probably enter the middle ear through minor tympanic membrane perforations. [Lappan 2020]
Other infections:
It has been reported from mastoiditis and posterior auricular abscess [Reynolds 2001].
Treatment
T otitidis is susceptible to amoxicillin (beta-lactams), vancomycin and doxycycline.
Susceptibility to cotrimoxazole, quinolones, macrolides, and clindamycin is variable.