ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: CSOM causing deafness is seen in more than one third of the population in developing countries and is responsible for more than two thirds of deafness in children thereby causing intellectual and educational problems which have a profound impact on the society. Knowledge of the pathogens responsible for CSOM and their antibiotic sensitivity can assist in the selection of the appropriate treatment regimen in these cases. Objective: To identify the bacteria causing CSOM in our hospital area and to determine their antibiotic sensitivity. Methodology: Prospective study of 20 samples from clinically suspected cases of CSOM was performed over a period of two months. Samples were subjected to culture and the isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed by modified Kirby-bauer disc diffusion technique as per CLSI guidelines. Results: The predominant organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. No other organism was isolated in our study. The antimicrobial sensitivity of the isolates in our study showed 100% sensitivity to ciprofloxacin,ofloxacin and netilmycin followed by 75% sensitivity to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. Conclusion: The bacterial pathogens causing CSOM are unique to each geographical area. There is a high carriage of Staphylococcus aureus strains in the external auditory canal and upper respiratory tract prevalent in our hospital area. Quinolones and third generation cephalosporins are the most effective drugs for CSOM in our hospital area and can be considered for empiric therapy of these cases.