Identification of Common Bacterial Etiologic Agents, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern & Associated Risk Factors of Otitis Media among Pediatric Patients of ENT Center of Orotta National Referral Hospital

Background: Otitis media is a pervasive childhood problem posing great healthcare challenges in developing countries. The magnitude of the problem and the lack of appropriate data about the prevalence, common etiologic agents, and the risk factors responsible for otitis media among children in Eritrea have encouraged us to undertake the present study.

Methods: A total of 366 ear discharge samples were collected by an Otorhinolaryngologist. All collected samples were screened by using appropriate media and conditions that favor the growth of bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done to record the sensitivity and resistance of bacteria by the disc diffusion method. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using standard and structured questionnaires and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.

Results: Of 400, 366 (91.5%) samples were with Otitis media and 305 showed the presence of bacteria (83.33%). The most common pathogenic bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Hemophilus influenza and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that the infection is more common in lower-aged children, daycare attendees, and big families. All are statistically significant (P-value 0.003), (P-value 0.036) (p<0.000), respectively. H. influenza, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus showed good sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin, which was 85.5%, 100%, and 68.1% respectively.

Conclusion: Of 400, 366 (91.5%) samples were with Otitis media and 305 showed the presence of bacteria (83.33%). The most common pathogenic bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Hemophilus influenza and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that the infection is more common in lower-aged children, daycare attendees, and big families. All are statistically significant (P-value 0.003), (P-value 0.036) (p<0.000), respectively. H. influenza, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus showed good sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin, which was 85.5%, 100%, and 68.1% respectively.