The Microbiological Profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media inChildren
Abstract
Objective: To identify the frequency and distribution of bacterial pathogens in pediatric Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) and analyze their antibiotic resistance patterns over a year study period at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.Methods
A cross-sectional-descriptive study was conducted at Sindh Government Qatar Hospital, Karachi, from 1st April 2024, to 30th April, 2025. A total of 350 children (ages 0.5–15 years) diagnosed with CSOM were included via non probability consecutive sampling. Data were recorded on a predesigned proforma. Bacterial cultures and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using Gram staining, biochemical tests, and culture media (chocolate, MacConkey, blood agar). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.Results
A cohort of 350 children (mean age 5.87±2.17 years) was enrolled and showed male dominance (67.1%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19.4%) were the most common isolates. Resistance was highest for β-lactams and fluoroquinolones, while glycopeptides and aminoglycosides remained effective. A statistically significant association was found between age of the patients and distribution of multiple organisms using one-way-ANOVA test (p <0.001).Conclusion
Antibiotic resistance in pediatric CSOM necessitates updated regional data for precise treatment. Empirical therapy should be replaced with targeted antibiotic strategies.Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance, Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Ciprofloxacin, Hearing Loss, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.Published
2026/03/04
Issue
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