Abstract
Background
Bilateral mastoiditis in adults has previously been reported only in association with
diabetes mellitus or immunocompromised patients.
Objectives
To describe a case of bilateral mastoiditis in a healthy adult and to investigate
the etiology.
Case Report
A 53-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with bilateral otitis externa
and mastoiditis after scuba diving during a harmful algal bloom, commonly known as
a “red tide.” The levels of coliform bacteria recorded at the time and location of
her dive exceeded health regulatory limits and correlate with her atypical culture
results.
Conclusion
Elevated bacterial counts that result from harmful algal blooms may account for this
rare infection.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 30, 2010
Accepted:
June 12,
2010
Received in revised form:
April 27,
2010
Received:
February 19,
2009
Footnotes
Environmental data and analysis were supported by funding to RMK through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) MERHAB award NA04NOS4780239, and by the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System through NOAA award NA08NOS4730382.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
