Bacterial isolate and antibacterial resistance pattern of ear infection among patients attending at Hawassa university referral Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Ear infection is highly prevalent worldwide. In the older child, long-standing Chronic Supparative Ottitis Media can result in a severe conductive hearing loss with significant drawbacks in learning, communication, and social adjustment. It is associated with hearing impairment, death, and severe disability due to central nervous system involvement in developing countries. Objective: To determine the bacteriological profile and antibacterial resistance of ear infection from patients seen at Ear Nose and Throat clinic of Hawassa University Referral Hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at clinic of Hawassa University Referal Hospital. Result: A total 117 study subjects included in this study from June 2013 to October 2013. Among these, 57 (48.7%) were male and 53 (45.3%) were children. Bacteria identified from positive ear swabs were: Staphylococcus aureus 24 (20.5%), Pseudomonas aeroginosa 17 (14.5%), Klebsiella species 10 (8.5%), Proteus species 7 (6.0%), Entrobacter species 4 (3.4%), Escherchia coli 3 (2.6%), Citrobacter species 2 (1.7%), and Providentia species 2 (1.7%). The overall sensitivity and resistance profile of antibacterial agent, Amikacin (90.0%) and Gentamycin (89.1) showed high level of antibacterial effect on all identified bacterial species. On other hand, all isolates were highly resistance to ampicilin (87.5%), oxacillin (84.0%), ceftriaxone (82.8%), cephalotin (81.4%), and penicillin G (73.8%). Conclusion: Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed drug in the area. However, Amikacin and Gentamycin were highly active against the isolated organism, whereas Ciprofloxacilin was moderately active. Therefore, culture and susceptibility test is vital for appropriate management of ear infection in study area.