METHICILLIN RESISTANCE STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) FROM CSOM IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is one of the major cause of preventable hearing loss if treated promptly. Emergence of resistant strains in the world is of great concern. The aim of the present study was to determine the aetiology and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates from CSOM cases with special emphasis on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Materials and methods: Ear swabs were collected from 212 patients attending otorhinolaryngology department, GKMC, Chennai was processed in Microbiology lab. Direct gram staining was done and then inoculated into Blood, MacConkey and Nutrient agar. Bacterial identification was done using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected by Cefoxitin disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results: 60 Gram positive bacteria were isolated from collected ear swabs. Staphylococcus aureus 46(26.59%) was the most common bacteria among Gram positive organism followed by CONS 9(5.20%) and Enterococci 5(2.89%). Staphylococcus aureus showed 41(89.13%) was sensitive to amikacin and 40(86.95%) to ofloxacin. All the Gram Positive cocci were 100% sensitive to Vancomycin and Linezolid. 19.53% were confirmed as MRSA by cefoxitin disc diffusion method. Conclusion: Microbial pattern can vary in different location in different periods of time. Hence knowledge of appropriate aetiology and antimicrobial resistance pattern of CSOM helps in rational use of antibiotics and control of drug resistance.MRSA is emerging as an important pathogen in CSOM. Empirical antibiotics should be directed to gram positives, and especially, MRSA should be taken into consideration.