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Home medication and microbiological profile in chronic otitis media in some Nigerian children
S J Utsalo1, V Onoyom-Ita, M Ifeanyi-Chukwu
1Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Abstract:
The relationship of home medication to the pathology and microbiological profiles of chronic otitis media was studied in 135 children with middle ear infections. Middle ear lesions were examined and sample obtained for microscopy and culture for bacterial and fungal pathogens. Of a total 115 patients who received home treatment, mostly with extracts of a local herb, Cleome ciliata and unprescribed antibiotics, 111 (96.5 pc) had chronic otitis media with purulent effusion (OME), compared with 11 (55 pc) otitis media (OM) cases among 20 patients who had not received such treatments (p less than 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. were the predominant isolates; the latter were the sole infecting agents in 41 episodes and occurred in 10 co-infections. Sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates indicated that a large proportion of infections would respond to empiric treatment with gentamicin in anticipation of laboratory results on sensitivity tests. This report suggests further studies to define the significance of these medications in the pathogenesis of chronic OME in Nigerian children.
Insights
Home treatments, including local herbs and antibiotics, were linked to higher rates of chronic otitis media with purulent effusion in Nigerian children. Further research is needed to understand this association.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic otitis media (COM) is a prevalent middle ear infection, particularly in children.
- Understanding the role of home treatments in COM pathogenesis is crucial for effective management.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the impact of self-administered medications on COM outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between home medication use and the pathological and microbiological profiles of chronic otitis media in Nigerian children.
- To identify common pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns in children with COM.
- To assess the potential influence of local herbal remedies and unprescribed antibiotics on COM development.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 135 children diagnosed with middle ear infections.
- Examination of middle ear lesions and collection of samples for microscopy and culture.
- Analysis of bacterial and fungal pathogens, and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of chronic otitis media with purulent effusion (96.5%) was observed in children who received home treatments (herbal extracts, unprescribed antibiotics) compared to those who did not (55%).
- Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. were the predominant bacterial isolates.
- Antibiotic sensitivity testing indicated potential efficacy of gentamicin for empiric treatment.
Conclusions:
- Home medication practices, including Cleome ciliata and unprescribed antibiotics, may be associated with the development of chronic otitis media with purulent effusion in Nigerian children.
- Pseudomonas spp. are significant pathogens in this population.
- Further research is recommended to clarify the role of these home medications in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media.