The specific germs that cause chronic otitis media determine the treatment necessary. The purpose of this study was to identify the pathogens involved in this disease and to determine the sensitivity of the antibiotics commonly used in order to improve treatment.
Methods: This prospective study took place over 12 months and recorded 53 cases of chronic otorrhea in the ENT department of Ouagadougou University Hospital: 41 underwent cytologic and bacteriologic analysis.
Results: We identified 34 cases of bacterial infection (83%), 2 cases of fungal infection (5%) and 5 sterile cultures (12%). The bacteria isolated most frequently were Staphylococcus aureus (29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26%) and Proteus mirabilis (18%). These organisms were most sensitive to fluoroquinolones (84%) and third-generation cephalosporins (77%). However, amoxicillin and tetracycline were fairly active against these pathogens, with sensitivity rates of respectively 19% and 7%.
Conclusion: These data could help guide regional practitioners in choosing probabilistic antibiotic treatment. Sensitivity testing nonetheless remains needed in chronic otorrhea, to verify the efficacy of initial treatment and guide adequate care.