Profile of aerobic bacteria isolated in chronic maxillary sinusitis patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the pattern of aerobic bacteria isolated in patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, and the antibiotics sensitivity pattern of these organisms.

METHODS

A prospective hospital-based clinical study.

RESULTS

Fifty - four patients with clinical diagnosis of chronic maxillary sinusitis were evaluated. Out of 54 maxillary sinus aspirate specimens studied, 31 yielded bacterial growths and 32 no bacterial growth. The common aerobic bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (32.3% ), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were 16.1% each. Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to Erythromycin, and the gram-negative organisms to Gentamicin.

CONCLUSION

Bacteria isolated in chronic maxillary sinusitis and their sensitivity patterns varied. Bacteriologic study of the antral washings / aspirates should be done in every patient with chronic maxillary sinusitis. Combination chemotherapy that included Erythromycin and Gentamicin was recommended.