Microbiological Profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in a Tertiary Care Center in Western India

Abstract Background and Objectives: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a commonly diagnosed condition in otorhinolaryngology practice which is characterized by persistent inflammation of the middle ear and its adjacent structures. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications involving both intra- and extracranial regions. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment should be given to reduce the morbidity due to CSOM. Treatment of CSOM includes aural toilet, antibiotics, and surgery if necessary. Methodology: Ear swabs were collected from patients with CSOM from June 2023 to July 2024, and the samples were processed in the microbiology laboratory by standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were identified by Gram stain, colony morphology, biochemical tests, and by the VITEK 2 system. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and the VITEK system. Results: A total of 100 nonrepetitive samples were taken from patients with CSOM, out of which 80 samples had pure microbial growth. The predominant isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38/100) and Staphylococcus aureus (14/100). Among the isolates of P. aeruginosa , 60% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, 87% to gentamicin, 82% to ceftazidime, 84% to cefepime and piperacillin–tazobactam, and 95% to amikacin, whereas among S. aureus , 93% of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, 28% to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The causative organisms of CSOM and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles exhibit marked geographic variability. Therefore, continuous surveillance and regular updates on the prevailing microbial patterns are required to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy, ultimately contributing to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.