Clinico-microbiological profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis media in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a notorious ear infection and a major health problem in developing countries causing serious local damage and threatening complications. Early and effective treatment based on the knowledge of causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial sensitivity can ensure prompt clinical recovery and possible complications can thus be avoided.

Objectives: To study the clinico-microbiological profile of CSOM.

Materials and Methods: Clinically diagnosed cases of CSOM were enrolled in the study and the ear discharge was obtained using two separate pre?sterilized swabs. They were processed for aerobic & anaerobic culture and sensitivity. Drug susceptibility testing was done using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results: Total of 72 patients clinically diagnosed with CSOM were enrolled in our study. Majority of the patients who had ear discharge were in the age group of 41-60 years. 29 cases were of Safe/ tubotympanic type & 43 cases of Unsafe/ atticoantral type of CSOM. Out of 60 positive samples, 54 (90%) had monomicrobial, while 6 (10 %) had polymicrobial growth. Amongst the 66 aerobic isolates, most common causative organisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (59%) and Staphylococcus aureus (24.2%). Antimicrobial profile of Gram negative isolates revealed maximum sensitivity to piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactum, imipenam and ciprofloxacin. All Gram-positive isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin & linezolid.

Conclusion: Continuous and periodic evaluation of microbiological pattern and antibiotic sensitivity of isolates is necessary to decrease the potential risk of complications by early institution of appropriate treatment.