Microbiological Screening Of Malignant Otitis Externa Patients Presenting at Sohag University Hospitals

Malignant Otitis Externa is a severe infection of the external ear canal that can spread to the skull base. It is most common in elderly diabetic patients. There is limited data about the microbiological profile of MOE patients in Upper Egypt.

Objectives:

• To identify the bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from patients with MOE at Sohag University Hospitals.
• To determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated organisms.

Methods:

This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with MOE in the ENT department at Sohag University Hospitals will be included. An ear swab will be taken from each patient under sterile conditions and sent to the microbiology laboratory. Samples will undergo culture, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity testing according to standard lab protocols. Patient demographic data and clinical findings will also be recorded.

Expected Outcome:

To provide local data on the causative organisms of MOE and their resistance patterns to guide empirical antibiotic therapy.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients clinically diagnosed with MOE based on severe otalgia, external auditory canal inflammation ± granulation tissue.
• Patients with risk factors such as DM, Immunocompromised patients.

Exclusion criteria

• Post-operative ear cases (recent ear surgery).
• Patients with external auditory canal tumors.
• Patient refusal