Bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of otitis media among children in Qatar

Background: Otitis Media (OM) common diseases affecting children below 5 years of age with a harmful effect on their hearing and health status. Data about the bacterial profile and current antimicrobial resistance status of Otitis Media in the region is scarce. Objective of this study determine the causative organisms of Otitis Media and antimicrobial  susceptibility patterns among children in a Primary Health Care Corporation (PPHC) centers, Qatar.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in PPHC from Jan 2016 to Dec 2017. A total of 181 patients with Otitis Media presented to PHCC centers were enrolled in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were documented and analysed.Results: A total of 181 children, an almost equal number of male (49.7%) and female (50.3%) participants were involved in the study. 51.4% of participants were ≤5 years of age. Bacteria isolated were: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (27.6%), Hemophilus Influenza (13.3%), Staphylococcus Aureus (11.6%), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MSRA) (11.0%), Streptococcus Pyogenes (10.5%), Streptococcus Pneumonia (6.6%), Moraxella Catarrhalis (2.2%), Klebsiella Pneumonia (0.6%). The sensitivity of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa was (100%) to cotrimoxazole, vancomycin, and piperacillin, (96%) to cefepime and gentamicin, and was (88.2%) to ciprofloxacin. MRSA sensitivity was (100%) to vancomycin, rifampicin, and teicoplanin, (89%) to clindamycin.Conclusion: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa was the most frequent isolated bacteria. An overall antimicrobial resistance pattern seen in bacteria isolates ranges from 0% to 66.7%. The antimicrobial-resistant rate was observed for Ampicillin, Augmentin, and cefuroxime whereas ciprofloxacin, cefepime, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, vancomycin, and amikacin were found effective for the isolated resistant bacteria.

Comparative evaluation between ranibizumab combined with laser and bevacizumab combined with laser versus laser alone for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

To evaluate the anatomical and functional efficacy of combination therapy of intravitreal ranibizumab with laser or intravitreal bevacizumab with laser treatment compared to only laser treatment for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion [BRVO]. Thirty eyes of 30 patients with BRVO of at least 6 weeks duration were randomized into three groups- Group 1 received a single dose of intravitreal Ranibizumab followed by grid laser treatment. Group 2 received a single dose of intravitreal Bevacizumab followed by grid laser treatment, and Group 3 received grid laser alone. Outcomes at 6 months follow-up were reported. Data were collected on best corrected visual acuity [BCVA], central foveal thickness [CFT], and gain in lines of Snellen acuity. At 6 month follow up, the difference in the mean BCVA and CFT between the three treatment groups was not statistically significant [P> 0.05, all comparisons]. Six eyes [60%] in Group 1, four eyes [40%] in Group 2 and two eyes [20%] in Group 3 had a statistically significant gain of >/=3 lines of Snellen acuity [P< 0.05]. Both ranibizumab and bevacizumab combined with laser photocoagulation, resulted in better outcomes than grid laser treatment