Microbiology of chronic otitis media at queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

Type of research study: This was a hospital based cross sectional descriptive study carried out at the ENT Out-patient clinic and the Microbiology department of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, a government referral and teaching hospital. Statement problem: Chronic Otitis Media is still a significant health problem in children and adults in developing countries, therefore it was pertinent to determine the local microbiology in order to achieve adequate treatment, avoid complications and provide records for future references. Objectives: The study sought to determine the COM causing microorganisms at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and establish their relationship with the demographic pattern of the study population and the symptoms/ signs. Methodology: The sample constituted of 104 patients with unilateral or bilateral active COM attending the ENT Out-patient clinic who met the inclusion criteria. All patients were evaluated through a detailed history and clinical examination. Pus samples from draining ears were collected by aspiration technique using sterile pipette. The specimens collected were immediately sent for microbiology analysis in the microbiology laboratory. Data was analyzed using SPSS Vs. 20. Findings: The study found out that Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent aerobic bacteria while Bacteroides species and Peptostreptococcus species were the commonest anaerobic bacteria COM causing microorganisms respectively. These COM causing micro-organisms were predominant among males aged 18 years and below. There was also significant association between COM causing microorganisms and quantity of pus drainage, mode of onset, otalgia, hearing loss, location of TM perforation and mucosal appearance.