Prevalence, Antibiogram of Bacterial Pathogens Associated with Otitis Media among Primary School Children in Ebonyi State

Abstract

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. 70 samples (male and female) of ear swab were collected from primary school pupils at school Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu L.G.A. and community primary school Ibii, Afikpo in Afikpo L.G.A. all in Ebonyi State. 67 samples were positive for these organisms. The bacterial pathogens isolated include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus epidermidis (47.8%) had the highest incidence of occurrence followed by Staphylococcus aureus (31.3%) and Proteus sp (15%) while the least was Staphylococcus epidermidis (20.9%). The organisms’ antibiogram reveals that they were highly sensitive to gentamycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, cotrimoxazole, ceftriaxone and augmentin. The bacterial pathogens responsible for otitis media are pathogenic, hence attempt should be made to reduce the factors militating the incidence of these pathogens in the community. Despite the effectiveness of these antibiotics which are sensitive against the bacterial pathogens, prudent use of the antibiotics is strongly recommended.