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Microbiological Profile and Antibiotic Sensitivity of 100 Cases of Otitis Externa
Heera Luthra1, Vishal Sharma2, Neerja Jindal3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Faridkot, India.
Abstract:
Otitis externa is a common condition encountered in the ENT outdoors. For long, it was thought to be of fungal etiology but after World War II, bacterial pathogens were found to be most commonly involved. Pseudomonas has been described as the most common causative organism in the literature. This prospective study aimed to study the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of 100 patients of otitis externa. 100 diagnosed cases of otitis externa were included in the study after informed consent. Swabs were taken from the external acoustic canal maintaining asepsis. The swabs were analysed using microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing. The samples were cultured on blood agar, MacConkey agar and Sabourad's dextrose agar with antibiotics. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The most common bacteria identified was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.36%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.45%), Escherichia coli (2.73%), Klebsiella (1.82%), and Proteus sp (1.82%). Aspergillus sp (19.09%) and Candida albicans (8.18%) were the fungal species identified. Pseudomonas showed excellent sensitivity to imipenem, piperacillin and ofloxacin, while Staphylococcus showed good sensitivity to vancomycin, ofloxacin and netilmycin. Topical fluoroquinolones can be used as empirical treatment in most cases of bacterial otitis externa. In resistant cases, culture and antibiotic sensitivity should be done to manage the infection.
Insights
Bacterial pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are the most common cause of otitis externa. Antibiotic sensitivity testing guides effective treatment, with topical fluoroquinolones often suitable for empirical therapy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Otitis externa, an external ear infection, was historically attributed to fungi but is now primarily caused by bacteria.
- Pseudomonas species are frequently identified as the leading bacterial culprits in otitis externa cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological profile of otitis externa.
- To determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of causative organisms in otitis externa patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 100 patients diagnosed with otitis externa.
- Microscopic examination, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity testing (Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion) of external acoustic canal swabs.
- Samples were cultured on various agar media, including those supplemented with antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.36%) was the most frequently isolated bacterium, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (15.45%).
- Fungal species identified included Aspergillus sp. (19.09%) and Candida albicans (8.18%).
- Pseudomonas demonstrated high sensitivity to imipenem, piperacillin, and ofloxacin; Staphylococcus showed good sensitivity to vancomycin, ofloxacin, and netilmycin.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogens dominate otitis externa, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common.
- Topical fluoroquinolones are effective empirical treatments for most bacterial otitis externa cases.
- Culture and sensitivity testing are crucial for managing antibiotic-resistant infections.
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