Pattern of Bacterial Isolates in Otitis Media and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile in Okpoko Rural Community, Anambra State, Nigeria: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, characterized by inflammation of the mucosal lining, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. If left untreated, it can lead to significant consequences, including economic loss, impaired speech development, hearing impairment, and potentially permanent hearing loss. Consequently, otitis media constitutes a major public health concern. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, bacterial isolates, and antibiotic susceptibility profile of patients with otitis media, as well as examine the socio-economic characteristics of affected individuals in Okpoko, a rural community in Anambra State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study is being conducted from July 2024 to May 2025. Ear secretions are collected from patients presenting with middle ear discharge at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic of Solution General Hospital, Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, using a sterile cotton swab. Patients suspected of otitis media presenting with middle ear discharge that consented were enrolled for the study. Their socio-demographic data were also obtained using a well-structured questionnaire. Samples were collected, cultured and identified using morphological appearance gram reaction and biochemical test. Disc diffusion method was used for tthe antibiotics susceptibility testing. Of the300 (male 155, female 145) ear swabs collected from patients with otitis media, 166(55.33%) yielded bacterial growth. Male patients had highest prevalence of 88(29.33%) than female 78(26.0%).Prevalence of bacterial etiologic agents associated with otitis media revealed Staphylococcus aureus 64 (38.55%) as the predominant isolate followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 46(27.71%). Levofloxacin is the most sensitive antibiotic while most were resistant to augmentin. However, most of the isolated bacteria were multiple drug resistance. It is therefore important that culture and sensitivity testing of ear swabs is done before institution of antibiotics to further reduce emerging pattern of antibiotics resistance.