Clinical and microbiological features of otitis externa

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Otitis externa (OE) is a common inflammatory condition of the external ear canal.
• Understanding OE's epidemiology and predisposing factors is crucial for effective management.
• OE presents in both acute and chronic forms with varying clinical characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of acute and chronic otitis externa.
• To identify predisposing factors and common causative organisms in OE.
• To compare clinical presentations and microbial profiles of acute versus chronic OE.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study design.
• Inclusion of 40 cases of acute OE and 99 cases of chronic OE.
• Analysis of patient demographics, exposure history, clinical symptoms, and microbiological findings.

Main Results:

• OE affects males and females equally, with peak incidence in summer/early fall.
• Water exposure, ear drops, cotton swabs, and hearing aids are significant risk factors.
• Bacterial infections (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) are most common; fungi are more prevalent in chronic OE.
• Discharge differs (mucoid in acute, purulent in chronic); tympanic membrane involvement is more frequent in chronic OE.

Conclusions:

• Acute and chronic OE share common risk factors but exhibit distinct clinical and microbiological features.
• Hearing aid use is a specific risk factor for chronic OE and mixed infections.
• Prompt identification of risk factors and causative agents is essential for targeted OE treatment.