Which pathogen is NOT associated with otitis media?

Otitis media, commonly known as a middle ear infection, is typically associated with several pathogens, primarily bacterial ones. The most common ones linked to this condition include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and to a lesser extent, Staphylococcus aureus.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial otitis media, often found in patients, especially children who have acute respiratory infections. Similarly, Moraxella catarrhalis is frequently identified in cases of otitis media; it tends to be part of the normal flora in the upper respiratory tract but can become pathogenic under certain conditions, especially in children. Staphylococcus aureus can also be involved, though it is less common than the former two.

Escherichia coli, on the other hand, is not typically associated with otitis media. While it is a well-known pathogen that can cause a range of infections, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, it does not play a significant role in ear infections. Therefore, identifying Escherichia coli as not associated with otitis media is accurate, as it is not one of the prevalent pathogens that cause this condition.