Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from chronic suppurative otitis media patients in Central India

Introduction: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) takes a lot of time in the hospital outdoors and operation theatres. It is a chronic disease which is associated with irreversible sequelae and serious intracranial and extracranial complications. Henceforth early & effective treatment needs to be instituted to avoid such complications. Materials & Methods: This study was planned at a tertiary care medical college to assess the bacterial etiology and antibiotic susceptibility profile of CSOM cases and to draw comparison with similar studies throughout India over the last four years. Isolation and identification of pathogen was done using aerobic culture followed by standard biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for commonly used antimicrobials. Results: The commonest pathogens isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CONS) and other gram negative rods mostly showing susceptibility to high end antibiotics like beta lactam-beta lactamase inhibitor, Carbapenems, Fourth generation cephalosporins & Glycopeptides. Conclusion: There is wide variation in antibiotic sensitivity profile over varied geographical areas and populations throughout the country. For better management of this disease, clinical classification as well as antibiotic susceptibility testing of the organisms is essential for making the right choice of antibiotics. The high rate of multiple drug resistance as well as high level of resistance to individual antibiotics is a cause of concern.