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Microbiology of acute otitis externa
Peter S Roland1, David W Stroman
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Department of Otolaryngology, Dallas, Texas 75235-9035, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|August 10, 2002
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common cause of acute otitis externa (AOE) bacterial infections. However, diverse bacterial species necessitate broad-spectrum topical antibiotics for effective AOE treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute otitis externa (AOE) is a common condition affecting the external ear canal.
- Understanding the microbial etiology of AOE is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify bacteria and fungi causing AOE.
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of specimens from subjects with clinically diagnosed AOE.
- Species identification using combined phenotypic and genotypic methods.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing via standard methods (MIC).
Main Results:
- Over 2000 subjects with AOE yielded 2838 bacteria, 32 yeasts, and 17 molds.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent bacterial isolate (38%), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (7.8%).
- High-level antibiotic resistance was observed in S. epidermidis and S. aureus, while P. aeruginosa showed rare resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides.
Conclusions:
- P. aeruginosa is the primary bacterial pathogen in AOE.
- A wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria contribute to AOE.
- Broad-spectrum topical antibiotics, particularly those effective against P. aeruginosa, are recommended for AOE treatment.