Otitis externa in a localized area at the South of Jordan

Objective: To investigate the clinical findings and to identify the microor ganisms in the pathogenesis of otitis externa. Methods: The symptoms and signs, as well as the bacterial flora, from the a uditory canals of 70 Jordanian patients (94 ears) suffering from otitis ext erna were studied during the period from February 1999 to February 2000. Results: Pain was the most common symptom (82%). The most common sign was e rythema (65%), while oedema was the least common (42%). Pseudomonas aerugin osa was found in 39%, Aspergillus in 27%, Candida albicans in 18%, Staphylo coccus aureus in 18% and no growth in 8.5%. Ninety three percent of healthy ears revealed normal skin flora. Conclusion: Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were the isolated pathog enic microorganisms. microorganisms most frequently isolated pathogenic mic roorganisms.