Analysis of Microbes and their Sensitivity Patterns in Chronic Otitis Media in West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction Chronic otitis media (COM) is a commonly encountered condition in India because of socio-economic factors. Empirical antimicrobial therapy is crucial till definitive surgical management can be done. Periodic updating of prevalence and antibiogram of the etiological microorganisms of COM is thus important.This hospital based study aimed to detect the ongoing trend of microbes associated with chronic otitis media in eastern India and determination of antibiotic sensitivity patterns of bacteria. Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted wherein ear swabs were taken from discharging ears of selected patients and sent for culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Results One hundred and forty two (142) samples were collected from 104 patients. 124 samples revealed monomicrobial involvement while 5 samples did not reveal any pathological organism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common isolates comprising 31.33 % and 30.67 % respectively. Most organisms were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides along with imipenem, meropenem followed by penicillin group of antibiotics. Conclusion The huge burden of chronic otitis media patients in India makes it essential to have an evidence-based protocol for initiation of empirical treatment. Hence, an idea about the microbes commonly responsible for disease and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns is helpful in clinical practice.

Keywords

• Otitis Media
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests