gms | German Medical Science

Suppurative otitis is characterized by a bacterial colonization. This requires an antibiotic treatment and if necessary surgical therapy. In most cases the antibiotic can be applied locally after aural toilet. Rarely a systemic treatment is necessary.

This study was carried out between March 2003 and October 2005. 176 ear swabs were done in 154 patients (77 females and 77 males) on the first day of stationary admission.

There were 4 groups of otitis: chronic otitis media mesotympanalis (46 specimens), chronic otitis media epitympanalis (51), secretory radical cavity (44) and otitis externa (35).

A total of 330 organisms were isolated, including 179 gram-positive and 117 gram-negative bacteria, 33 fungi and 1 spore-forming bacterium. A negative culture was obtained in 8 specimens (4,5%). 2 or 3 organisms were isolated in 72%.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36%) was the most common bacterial isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (26%) and Proteus sp. (11%). However, the predominant bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ear cavity and otitis externa (50%). The anaerobs did not play an important role. Candida was the most frequent fungous culture.

Ciprofloxacin resistance was found in 13% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 30% of Staphylococcus aureus. The low resistance of Pseudomonas to Piperacillin (8%) and to Ceftazidim (2%) could be confirmed.

The stationary therapy of suppurative otitis requires knowledge about the regional bacterial spectrum and the resistance rates.

Regular microbiological investigations with patients suffering from suppurative otitis are to be recommended.