In a previous communication1 a study of chronic ear infections of war veterans was reported. The conclusions reached at the time were the following:
1. Hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus proteus (Proteus vulgaris), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most commonly encountered pathogens in chronic suppurative otitis media.
2. Individual culture and sensitivity tests are an absolute necessity in evaluation and proper treatment of these infections.
3. Strains of B. proteus and P. aeruginosa are becoming more resistant to available antibiotics.
For the past two years 210 patients were carefully observed and studied with the above in mind, and these are the results. The ears of 196 patients became dry and remained so during this period. The unsuccessful 14 cases continued to discharge. These were recultured, and the results of in vitro tests were charted. The original and later dates of cultures for each patient are included.
Of the 14 cases