Correlation between pathogens of chronic suppurative otitis media and nasopharyngeal colonization in the Taklamakan Desert region

This study investigated the potential nasopharyngeal reservoir of infection in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), for which comprehensive local data on concurrent middle ear pathogen profiles, antimicrobial resistance, and nasopharyngeal colonization are lacking. A total of 189 CSOM patients and 136 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Middle ear discharge and ipsilateral nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients, while unilateral nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from volunteers. All samples underwent standard culture, followed by bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The nasopharyngeal colonization rates were statistically compared between the patient and control groups. Pathogens were isolated from middle ear discharge in 120 of 189 CSOM patients (63.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate (56 cases, 29.6%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24 cases, 12.7%) and fungi (14 cases, 7.4%). Nasopharyngeal colonization with pathogenic bacteria was significantly more prevalent in patients (29.1%, 55/189) than in healthy volunteers (8.8%, 12/136) (χ² = 20.25, P < 0.0001). Staphylococcus aureus again predominated, detected in 21.7% (41/189) of patients versus 8.1% (11/136) of controls, a difference that was also statistically significant (χ² = 12.05, P = 0.0005). In the Taklamakan Desert region, while Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungi are the primary CSOM pathogens, our study establishes a significant epidemiological link between CSOM and pathogenic nasopharyngeal colonization. This association suggests that the nasopharynx likely serves as a reservoir for these middle ear infections.