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Published on: September 9, 2015
Childhood suppurative otitis media in Abakaliki: isolated microbes and in vitro antibiotic sensitivity pattern
U Nnebe-agumadu1, O Okike, I Orji
1Department of Paediatrics, Ebonyi State University/Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. ucagums@yahoo.com
Insights
Suppurative otitis media (SOM) in Nigerian children is often caused by Pseudomonas. Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin are effective treatments, particularly where lab access is limited.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Suppurative otitis media (SOM) is a prevalent pediatric condition in Nigeria.
- Effective management is crucial to prevent chronic ear infections, especially in resource-limited settings.
- This study reviews SOM cases at Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) to guide clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative bacteria of SOM in children in Abakaliki.
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these bacteria.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of pediatric SOM cases managed at EBSUTH over two years.
- Inclusion criteria: children aged 0-18 years with SOM.
- Data collected included ear swab cultures and patient case files.
Main Results:
- Sixty-five patients were reviewed; 73% were under five years old.
- Pseudomonas species were the most common pathogen (57.4%), followed by Klebsiella (16.4%) and Proteus (11.5%).
- Ciprofloxacin (60%) and Gentamicin (58%) showed the highest sensitivity rates among tested antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic treatment protocols for pediatric SOM should prioritize Ciprofloxacin or Gentamicin.
- These agents are recommended due to their efficacy and availability, especially in areas lacking advanced laboratory diagnostics or specialist care.
Background:
Suppurative otitis media (SOM) is the most common pediatric problem seen by otolaryngologists in Nigeria. Devising simple and effective ways of treating pediatric patients with suppurating ears, especially in situations without a specialist care, will help prevent chronicity. Our experience with som at the ebonyi state university teaching hospital (ebsuth), abakaliki, is reviewed in this study. it may serve as a guide in patient care.
Objective:
Determine the bacteriology of SOM in children in Abakaliki and ascertain their sensitivity to common antibiotics.
Materials And Methods:
A 2-year retrospective analysis of ear swabs culture results and case files of children aged 0-18 years with SOM managed in EBSUTH.
Results:
Sixty-five patients with discharging ears were reviewed. Of these, 73% were ≤ 5 years, of which 41.5% were infants. About 83% had unilateral ear discharge. Acute suppuration was seen in 67%. Overall swab yield was 87.7%; Pseudomonas was (57.4%), Klebsiella (16.4%), and Proteus species (11.5%). Ciprofloxacin showed 60% sensitivity, Gentamicin (58%), and Ceftazidime (35%). Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, and cefuroxime showed sensitivity of 4.3%-9.7%.
Conclusions:
Treatment protocols of SOM in children should emphasize the use of Ciprofloxacin or Gentamicin, especially in situations with limited access to laboratory services or specialist care.
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