Abstract:Objective To investigate the distribution of pathogens and analyze drug sensitivity in the ear discharge of children with acute purulent otitis media.Methods A total of 76 children diagnosed with acute purulent otitis media between January 2018 and May 2023 at Wuhan Children's Hospital were included. Ear discharge samples were collected for microbiological culture and drug sensitivity testing. The study analyzed the characteristics of pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug sensitivity results, and evaluated the resistance changes of major infectious strains.Results Among the 76 cases, a total of 84 strains of pathogens were identified, with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent, accounting for 71.43% and 23.81%, respectively. The infection rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in children aged 1 month to 1 year, > 1 year to 3 years, and > 3 years to 8 years were 40.00%, 35.00%, and 25.00%, respectively. The infection rates of Staphylococcus aureus were 25.00%, 30.00%, and 45.00%, respectively. The resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to levofloxacin was lower in 2018 to 2019 than in 2022 to 2023 (P < 0.05). Streptococcus pneumoniae showed high resistance to azithromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin, with resistance rates of 81.67% (49/60), 90.00% (54/60), and 66.67% (40/60), respectively. The sensitivity was highest to vancomycin and linezolid, with resistance rates of 0.00%. Resistance rates to chloramphenicol, ertapenem, and quinupristin/dalfopristin were relatively low, ranging from 5.00% to 13.33%. Staphylococcus aureus exhibited high resistance to levofloxacin, cefepime, azithromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin, with resistance rates of 70.00% (14/20), 65.00% (13/20), 65.00% (13/20), 90.00% (18/20), and 70.00% (14/20), respectively. The sensitivity was highest to vancomycin and linezolid, with resistance rates of 0.00%. Resistance rates to chloramphenicol, ertapenem, quinupristin/dalfopristin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and penicillin varied from 5.00% to 50.00%.Conclusions The predominant pathogens in children with acute purulent otitis media are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Drug sensitivity testing revealed higher resistance of both strains to azithromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin. Resistance to chloramphenicol, vancomycin, linezolid, ertapenem, and quinupristin/dalfopristin was relatively low.