Common Bacteria Causing Otitis Media in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aims: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a prevalent middle ear inflammation, presents challenges in the post-coronavirus disease era due to increased patient loads, stringent infection control and irrational antibiotic use. Understanding the evolving bacterial growth and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of CSOM is vital for effective management and treatment in this changing healthcare landscape. Objectives: This study aims to identify prevalent bacteria in CSOM patients attending an ENT outpatient department (OPD) in the tertiary care hospital and determine their antibiotic sensitivity patterns, contributing to an antibiotic stewardship policy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted over five months, investigated the bacterial aetiology and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in CSOM patients attending the tertiary care hospital’s ENT OPD. The sample of 100 patients was selected using convenience sampling. Aural swabs were collected and sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The study investigated bacterial prevalence in 100 otitis media patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25%) were the most prevalent organisms. Ciprofloxacin and amikacin showed the highest overall sensitivity. No significant association was found between gender and pathogen ( P = .22316) or between mean ages across different pathogens ( P = .416). Conclusion: The study identified P. aeruginosa and S. aureus as the most prevalent bacteria in CSOM. Ciprofloxacin and amikacin were highly effective against all identified bacteria. Although these antibiotics can be used as empirical therapy in remote areas without antibiotic susceptibility testing facilities, we suggest initiating culture-directed antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.