Bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of ENT pus swab samples: A cross-sectional study

Background: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections are prevalent in developing countries and often necessitate microbiological evaluation for effective treatment. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of local surveillance. Objective: To assess the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of pus swabs collected from ENT infections in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 100 pus swabs from ENT patients (April–July 2024). Standard microbiological methods were used for isolation and identification of pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, interpreted as per CLSI guidelines. Results: The majority of patients were adults (74%), with a slight male predominance (55%). Staphylococcus aureus (29%) and Pseudomonas spp. (25%) were the most common isolates. S. aureus showed 100% sensitivity to Linezolid, while Pseudomonas exhibited high sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin (88%) and Ceftazidime (92%). Gram-negative bacilli demonstrated variable resistance patterns. No major multidrug resistance was observed, though emerging resistance in non-fermenters and Proteus was noted. Conclusion: The study highlights S. aureus and Pseudomonas as predominant ENT pathogens with generally favorable sensitivity patterns. Continuous monitoring and judicious antibiotic use are essential to guide empirical therapy and curb resistance.