BACTERIAL PROFILE AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY PATTERNS IN CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA: A STUDY FROM LOW- AND MIDDLE-SOCIOECONOMIC COMMUNITIES IN ISLAMABAD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i4.1901Keywords:
Antibiotics, Cell culture, Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Enterobacter, TinnitusAbstract
Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a significant cause of preventable hearing loss, particularly in children from resource-limited settings. This study aimed to identify the causative microorganisms and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns through ear discharge cultures in affected patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, targeting patients from low- and middle-socioeconomic communities. A total of 106 patients diagnosed with CSOM were enrolled using a structured questionnaire. Ear discharge samples were collected and subjected to bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing to identify causative organisms and guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Results: Mucosal CSOM was more common (76.4%) than the epithelial type (23.6%). Among 102 patients, males (56) were slightly more affected than females (50), with 31.1% of cases occurring in children and young adults. Culture-positive samples identified Enterobacter as the common pathogen. Culture/sensitivity testing showed Imipenem to be the most effective agent, with 100% sensitivity across all isolates. Conclusion: CSOM was predominantly mucosal and commonly associated with upper respiratory tract infections, persistent ear discharge, and tympanic membrane perforation. Enterobacter was the most frequent isolate, while imipenem showed the highest sensitivity.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(4):37–9, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i4.1901
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