ABSTRACT
To identify the causative agents of otitis media of children aged up to 15 years, and determine the proper antibiotics and compare them with those empirically prescribed by Yemeni pediatricians. A total of 429 bacteriology results of middle ear swabs, agent microorganisms, and their susceptibility to antibiotics of children aged up to 15 years old with otitis media resistant to prescribed antibiotics were collected from three main microbiology lab in Sana 'a city during the period from June 2006 till June 2007. Fifty pediatricians were asked to list their 5 antibiotics of choice in treatment of otitis media to compare empirical prescription with microbiology A total of 429 children were enrolled in this study, 145 [33.8%] of them aged 2 year or less, 101 between 3-5 years [23.5%], while 183 aged 6 years old and above [42.7%]. Males were 266 [62.0%] while 163 [38.0%] were females. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus [41.7%], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [17.7%], Proteus spp [11.2%] and Hemophilus influenza [7.7%]. Concerning antibiotics, pathogens were more sensitive to ceftriaxone [77.7%] followed by cefotaxime [72.0%], cefuroxime [69.1%], amoxil/clavulanic [57.3%]. Most common empirically prescribed antibiotics were amoxil/clavulanic [92%]. Practicing pediatricians used to prescribe amoxil/ davulanic first and a considerable proportion are prescribing amoxil which is not effective. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. are the most common pathogens associated with otitis media in Yemeni children. Otitis media pathogens are sensitive to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime and amoxil/clavulanic respectively