Otogenic Meningitis in Infancy and Childhood in the Antibiotic Era: Observation on Thirty-Eight Children Treated at Los Angeles County General Hospital from 1950-1957

A survey of current literature reveals a significant reduction in the incidence of otogenic complications.² This is universally attributed to the use of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic agents.^3,5,9,11,12 The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the fact that the problem of otitic meningitis in this antibiotic era has not fully been solved. This is particularly true in infants and young children. The mortality rate still remains high in this age group. Successful conduct of suppurative meningitis requires a concerted effort of both the public and the practitioners of medicine. The public must be conditioned to seek medical aid promptly. The key to an early diagnosis is in the hands of the general practitioners and pediatricians. They are likely to see the child with meningeal symptoms first. They must be ever meningitis conscious. However, the otologist must share his responsibility in order to reduce this high incidence