Otitis externa due to Pseudomonas in swimming pool bathers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal.
• A significant outbreak of otitis externa occurred shortly after a new swimming pool opened.
• Swimming pools can be a source of waterborne pathogens if not properly maintained.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause of an otitis externa outbreak linked to a new swimming pool.
• To identify the etiological agent responsible for the infections.
• To assess the effectiveness of disinfection procedures in preventing recreational waterborne illnesses.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological investigation of otitis externa cases among swimmers.
• Microbiological analysis of water samples from the swimming pool.
• Swab cultures from infected ears of affected swimmers.
• Review of swimming pool disinfection protocols.

Main Results:

• One-third of 230 swimmers developed otitis externa within three weeks of the pool's opening.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the pool water and from all nine infected swimmers' ear swabs.
• The incidence of otitis externa significantly increased compared to local general practice data.
• Defective disinfection procedures were identified as the likely cause of the outbreak.

Conclusions:

• Improper swimming pool disinfection can lead to outbreaks of otitis externa.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen in swimming pool-associated infections.
• Effective disinfection and water quality management are crucial for preventing recreational waterborne diseases.