Prevalence and Sensitivity Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Chronically discharging Ears: a Prospective Study

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) continues to be the most common ear disese in developing countries. CSOM can lead to serious irreversible complications if proper and effective medical therapy is not instituted. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major bacteria involved in CSOM.

The present study aims at showing the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the main culprit in CSOM as compared with other organisms and to evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity pattern. Chronicity, refractoriness, diversity in aetiological factors and variable mucosal pathology in CSOM has prompted this study.

A prospective study was carried out in 100 patients with CSOM between August 2007 to August 2009.The patients presenting with unilateral ear discharge were evaluated clinically and bacteriologically. Aural swab was sent for culture and sensitivity testing.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 40 cases of CSOM, while Proteus vulgaris and Staph aureus in 12 cases. Pseudomonas was sensitive to Amikacin in 26 cases (66%), Tobramycin in 8 cases (20%), Netilmicin in 6 cases (15%), Gatifloxacin in 13 cases (33%), Ciprofloxacin in 10 cases (25%), Ceftazidime in 10 cases (25%), Ceftriaxone in 10 cases (25%), Meropenem in 8 cases (20%) and to Azithromycin in 10 cases (25%).

Prevalence of Pseudomonas in ear-discharge of patients of CSOM is quite high. Aminoglycosides and Quinolones remain the effective drugs in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa.