Publication:

A prospective study on microbiological profile and antimicrobial resistance pattern in chronic suppurative otitis media at a rural centre

Background Over and injudicious prescription of antibiotics over the years has resulted in change in microbial flora in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). More over the incidence of multidrug resistance in bacteria is increasing alarmingly. This study was done to know the microbial pattern in CSOM in the current scenario. This study also aims to know the microbial resistance pattern and the drug sensitivity, also how to tackle the growing multidrug resistance in current practice.

Methods Sterile swab was collected from 100 patients who attended Outpatient Department of our hospital during 1 year period, sent for culture sensitivity. Details like age distribution, sex distribution, microbial pattern, MDR susceptibility pattern were evaluated.

Results Males were commonly affected. Most common age group was in the 5th decade followed by 4th decade. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen followed by Pseudomonas. All the multi drug resistant (MDR) strains were Pseudomonas, and were sensitive to only higher antibiotic like Piperaziccilin Tazobactam (PTZ), Imipenem (IMP) with 2 of them only intermediate sensitivity to IMP.

Conclusions Staph aureus and Pseudomonas are the most common pathogen in CSOM. Incidence of MDR is on the rise even to higher line drugs. Hence pus culture and sensitivity should be made mandatory in every case of CSOM before starting higher antibiotics or putting patient on long term treatment. This will prevent the emergence of multidrug resistant strains.