Publication:

Mycobacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in chronic suppurative otitis media: a cross- sectional study

Background Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a disease of mucoperiosteal lining of the middle ear cleft. The poor compliance of patients to antibiotic treatment, Incomplete treatment, misuse/improper choice of antibiotics have resulted in changes in susceptibility to antibiotics and also development of resistant strains by microbes to commonly used antibiotics. This study aimed to identify the mycobacteriological profile and determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern in CSOM patients.

Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 120 clinically diagnosed cases of CSOM attending otolaryngology department. Ear discharges obtained were processed for microbial culture (aerobic, anaerobic and fungi). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results Of total 120 cases, pathogens were isolated from 114 cases. The commonest aerobic organism isolated was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34.5%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (29.4%). Staphylococcus aureus showed maximum sensitivity to erythromycin (70%), followed by cotrimoxazole (62.5%) and ampicillin (55%). Maximum resistance was observed for ciprofloxacin (77.5%), followed by amoxiclave (55%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed maximum sensitivity to piperacillin (89.36%) followed by gentamicin (70.2%), amikacin (70.2%), moderate sensitivity to ceftazidime (51.06%); however resistance to carbpenicillin (60%). Ciprofloxacin which is the most prescribed topical antibiotic showing an increase in resistance to causative organisms of CSOM.

Conclusions Hence, it becomes essential to study each case of CSOM bacteriologically to formulate local antibiotic policy for appropriate use of antibiotics. This will certainly help in achieving a safe ear and to control the organisms developing resistance to prevalent antibiotics.