Otitis externa in a localized area at the South of Jordan

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical findings and to identify the microorganisms in the pathogenesis of otitis externa.

METHODS: The symptoms and signs, as well as the bacterial flora, from the auditory canals of 70 Jordanian patients (94 ears) suffering from otitis externa were studied during the period from February 1999 to February 2000.

RESULTS: Pain was the most common symptom (82%). The most common sign was erythema (65%), while oedema was the least common (42%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in 39%, Aspergillus in 27%, Candida albicans in 18%, Staphylococcus aureus in 18% and no growth in 8.5%. Ninety three percent of healthy ears revealed normal skin flora.

CONCLUSION: Gram-negative microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were the most frequently isolated pathogenic microorganisms.