Bacteriology and drug susceptibility in chronic suppurative otitis media in Ear, Nose, and Throat outpatient and inpatient department of tertiary care Hospital, Bhavnagar

Background: The diagnosis of Chronic Suppurative otitis media (CSOM) implies a permanent abnormality of the pars tensa or flaccida, most likely a result of earlier acute otitis media or negative middle ear pressure. Changes in the microbiological flora following the advent of sophisticated synthetic antibiotics increase the relevance of antibiotic sensitivity to plan a general outline of treatment for a patient with a chronically discharging ear. Aim: To evaluate the bacteriological causes of CSOM. To know their antibiotic sensitivity pattern to commonly used antibiotics. Study Design: Prospective Observational Study. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of Suppurative otitis media both unilateral and bilateral who present with active purulent discharge for to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department will be prospectively studied. Patients were of all age group, both sexes and had symptoms of active ear discharge for more than 6 weeks. Patients suffering from SOM who are on systemic antibiotics and on topical medications to the ear were not included in the study. Results: Of the 60 patients 64% were males with maximum incidence in 26-50 y age group.55% of patients were from lower Socio Economic Status.Of the organisms isolated Staph. Aureus(35%) was most predominant followed by Pseudomonas(31%).All gram positive organisms were susceptible to Co-trimoxazole, Vancomycin , Gentamycin and all Gram negative to Meropenam, Aztreonam, Piperacillin. Conclusion: The patients should also be advised to take the drugs for the complete prescribed duration. This will not only help in minimizing the complications, but also help in preventing the emergence of resistant strains.