Anaerobes and Fungi in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Microbiology of 102 ears with chronic suppurative otitis media was studied for aerobes, anaerobes, and fungi. Forty-four percent were pure cultures, 33.3% were mixed, and 18.6% had no growth. Seventy-four percent were aerobes, 25% fungi, and only 0.9% anaerobes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.5%) was the most common isolate, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and the Aspergillus species. The possible reasons for low yield of anaerobes and the pathogenic roles of anaerobes and fungi in chronic suppurative otitis media are discussed. It is advocated that in investigating pathogenic organisms in chronic suppurative otitis media, requests should include anaerobes and fungi.