European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Jido, B. A., Yahaya, A. and Yadock, L. H

Abstract
Patients with Otitis Media were evaluated for bacterial pathogens and their susceptibility status to available anti-bacterial drugs. A total of 110 ear swab samples from cases of Otitis media among patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria were collected between February to July 2011 and cultured on blood chocolate and MaCconkey agar, incubated at 37 OC both aerobically and anaerobically. The isolates were then subjected to the standard bacteriological techniques and sensitivity test using Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Out of the 110 samples examined, 30 (27.3%) werePseudomonas aeruginosa, 25 (22.7%) Staphylococcus aureus, 10 (9.0%)Streptococcus pyogenes, 18 (16.3%), Proteus specie and 12 (10.9%) Candida specie, while 15 (13.6%) showed no growth at all and the difference between the various pathogens was not significant (P>0.05). Patients of age group between 0-5 years are most susceptible to Otitis media than any other age group and the difference in the prevalence of the infection in relation to age was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Otitis Media conditions were higher in the female (56.7%) than the male patients (43.3%). Amikacin was found to be the most effective drug amongst other antimicrobials in the treatment of Otitis media caused byPseudomonas aeruginosa, but the difference between the various antibiotics used was not statistical significant (P>0.05). This study had showed thatPseudomonas aeruginosa to be the pathogen most incriminated in the causation of Otitis media. Therefore, it is essential that all stakeholders both in primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities to support and educate the general public on various preventive measures against Otitis media infection.