Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common cause of hearing loss, especially in developing countries, with changing bacterial patterns and rising antimicrobial resistance.

Aim: To determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of CSOM.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 clinically diagnosed CSOM cases over one year at a tertiary care center. Aural swabs were collected and processed for aerobic culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer method as per CLSI guidelines.

Results: Culture positivity was 94.23%, with Gram-negative organisms (54.80%) predominating. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.48%) was the most common isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (29.62%). MRSA accounted for 38.70% of S. aureus, while 34.54% of Gram-negative isolates were ESBL producers. High sensitivity was observed to imipenem and amikacin among Gram-negative bacteria, and to vancomycin and linezolid among Gram-positive bacteria.

Conclusion: CSOM is mainly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Increasing antimicrobial resistance highlights the importance of culture-based therapy and regular surveillance.