Chronic otitis media due to Auritidibacter ignavus: a two-case series and brief literature review.

INTRODUCTION

Auritidibacter ignavus is an emerging Gram‑positive bacillus with otic tropism linked to recurrent and refractory ear infections.

METHODS

We describe two cases of chronic otitis media seen in 2024 at a Spanish tertiary hospital. Ear discharge was cultured on standard media; identification was achieved by MALDI‑TOF and susceptibility interpreted using EUCAST criteria for Corynebacterium spp. given the lack of organism‑specific breakpoints.

RESULTS

Two octogenarian patients with persistent otorrhea after failed topical therapy grew A. ignavus. Isolates were susceptible to selected beta‑lactams and to vancomycin, linezolid, tetracycline and rifampicin. Both improved with systemic antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

A. ignavus should be considered in refractory chronic otitis media. Updated MALDI‑TOF libraries and, when needed, 16S/genomics support accurate identification; systemic therapy may be warranted when the middle ear is involved.