Pattern and bacteriology of acute suppurative otitis media in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: To describe the pattern of distribution, causative bacterial organisms, and management of acute suppurative otitis media in Sokoto, Nigeria. Method: A retrospective study of the bacteriology, clinical features and management of acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) seen in a 2-year period. Results: Out of the 219 cases of acute suppurative otitis media reported in the otorhinolaryngology clinic, only 114 case folders were available for review. The age range of presentation was between 17 days and 45 years with majority of the patients within the age range of 0-15 years out of which 0-5 years range accounted for 67.5%. Only 41 (36.0%) patients did ear swab for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Staphylococcus aureus (46.2%) was the commonest organism cultured. Mastoiditis as a complication was found in only one (0.9%) patient. Conclusion: Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest bacteria cultured in acute suppurative otitis media in this environment. Systemic antibiotic active against beta-lactamase producing bacteria, anti-histamine treatment along with local ear treatment is proposed for better results of cessation of ear discharge and reduction of the rate of progression to a state of chronically discharging ear (CSOM) with its attendant problems. Key Words: Acute suppurative otitis media, Staphylococcus aureus Annals of African Medicine Vol.3(4) 2004: 164-16