[Alcaligenes xylosoxidans--a pathogen of chronic ear infection].

INTRODUCTION: We discuss a case of a 48-year old man admitted to our Department with symptoms of chronic ear infection, that didn't answer to typical conservative treatment. The culture of the discharge was positive for Alcaligenes xylosoxidans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report characteristic features of that bacteria and we compare them with features of other pathogens typical for otitis media. We present performed treatment too. RESULTS: Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a nonfermenting gram-negative rod. It can be confused with other nonfermentive, gram-negative rods, especially Pseudomonas species, in clinical specimens so that its role as a significant pathogen may be underestimated. Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a part of normal human flora, especially skin and gastrointestinal tract, and can cause serious infections in human (especially in patients with immunodeficiency and premature children). CONCLUSIONS: Reports about Alcaligenes xylosoxidans as a cause of chronic otitis media are very rare and it can be supposed to stay a new kind of ear infection.