Microbiological Profile of Ear Discharge in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Abstract

BACKGROUNDChronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is defined as the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear cleft which includes the middle ear cavity, mastoid antrum, the mastoid air cells and the Eustachian tube. Complex interactions between the environment, microbes, and host are thought to lead to the development of this multifactorial disease. Understanding of the microbiology of chronic otitis media is important for efficient and effective treatment, and prevention of complications and antibiotic resistance. Thus, the study was conducted with the aim to determine the bacteriological agents implicated in discharging ears of the patients of CSOM and to determine the associated clinco-epidemiological factors among the patients of CSOM. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis hospital-based descriptive study was conducted in 100 patients attending the ENT OPD in Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College, Barpeta, Assam from July 2016 to June 2017. Detailed clinical history and demographic data were collected and analysed. Ear discharge was collected and microbiological profile was evaluated. RESULTSOne hundred patients after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen for the study. 31-40 years age group was most commonly involved with male preponderance. Microbiological analysis of ear discharge showed that Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 76% and Gram-positive bacteria were found in 34% cases. Gram-negative bacteria included Pseudomonas aeruginosa 24%, Klebsiella spp. 19%, Proteus spp. 12% and Escherichia coli 10%. The Gram-positive aerobes identified included Staphylococcus spp. 15%. The most common anaerobes identified were Bacteroides spp. in 1%, Peptostreptococcus spp. in 1% cases. Fungal growth was seen in 5% cases. Diphtheroids were seen in 3% cases. CONCLUSIONContinuous and periodic evaluation of microbiological pattern and antibiotic sensitivity of isolates is necessary to decrease the potential risk of complications by early institution of appropriate treatment. Our study emphasised the need of proper identification of microbiological profile of the cases of CSOM in order to facilitate early institution of proper treatment.