Microbiological profile and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in patients of otitis media with ear discharge

Abstract

Objective: Our aim is to study the microbiological profile and their antimicrobial sensitivity pattern in patients of otitis media with ear discharge in tertiary care teaching centre in Agra region and its application in the empirical treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Place and Duration : The study was conducted from March 2012 to July 2012 on 125 patients attending the ENT OPD and Microbiology Department having ear inflammation history for more than 3 months. Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from 125 patients (both male and female) in all age groups suffering from CSOM and having ear discharge. Their gram staining, direct microscopy with KOH, culture sensitivity, and biochemical tests were carried out to identify the organisms and to know their sensitivity pattern. Results: It showed the predominance by Staphylococcus species (37.6%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (4%), and Escherichia coli (3.2%). The susceptibility of Staphylococcus species was high (80-85%) with moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and doxycycline among the commonly used antibiotics. Sensitivity of Staphylococcus species was low (<50%) with beta-lactam drugs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 100% sensitive with colistin, polymyxin B, and carbapenems. It is highly sensitive (80%-90%) to aminoglycosides and piperacillin/tazobactam. Its sensitivity was about 60-70% with the commonly used antibiotics, viz. cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones . Conclusion : The study of microbial pattern and their antibiotic sensitivity determines the prevalent bacterial organisms causing CSOM in local area and to start empirical treatment of otitis media and its complications for successful outcome, thus to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.