Acute otitis media in children of Ismailia city: a bacteriological study

Abstract Introduction: Acute suppurative otitis media is a very common health problem associated with emerging resistant organisms that require special attention. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the most common infecting microorganism causing acute suppurative otitis media in Ismailia city and to determine the organism’s sensitivity to antibiotics. Patients and methods: This investigation was a cross-sectional study carried out in multiple hospitals and primary care clinics in Ismailia city targeting patients below 18 years of age. Each patient underwent history taking and a clinical examination. An ear swab and a nasopharyngeal specimen were taken and sent for culture and sensitivity testing. Results: A total of 2003 patients with a mean age of 2.5 years were included in the study, 53.7% of whom were boys and 46.6% were girls. Haemophilus influenzae was the most prevalent organism in both the ear swab and nasopharyngeal aspirate culture and was mostly sensitive to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, followed by azithromycin. Conclusion: H. influenzae is the most common infecting organism causing acute suppurative otitis media and is highly sensitive to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. © 2013, The Egyptian Oto - Rhino - Laryngological Society.