Chronic suppurative otitis media due to nontuberculous mycobacteria: A case of successful treatment with topical boric acid

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an increasingly recognized cause of chronic suppurative otitis media in children with tympanostomy tubes. Treatment of this condition is difficult and typically requires a combination of systemic antibiotics and surgical debridement. We present the first case of a 2-year-old male with chronic suppurative otitis media due to NTM who failed systemic antibiotic therapy and was successfully managed with topical boric acid powder. This report highlights the challenges involved in treating this infection, and introduces boric acid as a potentially valuable component of therapy.

Keywords: Atypical mycobacteria; Boric acid; Chronic otitis media; Chronic suppurative otitis media; Nontuberculous mycobacteria.