Chronic suppurative otitis media: bacteriology, susceptibility and clinical presentation among ENT patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

Background: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a major health concern in developing countries due to its association with hearing impairment, particularly among children as it may affect their communication skills. Serious complications like meningitis and brain abscess have been reported as a cause of death.

Objective: The study aimed to determine the bacteriology, susceptibility and clinical presentation of chronic suppurative otitis media among ENT patients at Mulago, Uganda.

Methodology: We performed a cross sectional study and enrolled 89 patients. Pus was collected from the middle ear for microbial laboratory examination. Our primary outcome was microbial isolates, sensitivity patterns and common clinical features.

Results: The commonest isolates identified were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.32%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.32%), Proteus mirabilis (13.39%), Escherichia coli (9.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (9.5%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be 64.7% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, 57.1% to chloramphenicol, and 41.2% to gentamicin. More than 60% of patients had a hearing impairment; 78% had a central perforation.

Conclusion: Susceptibility patterns to antimicrobial agent greatly varied but most demonstrated sensitivity to ciprofloxacin followed by choramphenicol and gentamicin.

Keywords: chronic suppurative otitis media, bacterial isolates, susceptibility profiles