ABSTRACT

Background: Sinusitis presents significant health challenges, our study focused on identifying aerobic bacterial and fungal organisms causing sinusitis and determining their antibiotic sensitivity to aid in efffective therapy . Given the dynamic microbial landscape and rising antibiotic resistance in nasal infections, our study emphasizes the significance of understanding causative pathogens and their susceptibility. This understanding is pivotal for cost-effective management strategies.

Methods: The study examined forty-three patients from the ear, nose, and throat clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin. Patient information collected using a questionnaire included age, gender, social and family history, medication records, sinusitis history, and the existence of comorbidity. Isolates were identified and evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility by calculating the inhibition zone diameter with the agar disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibition concentration with the agar dilution method.

Results: The study population comprised 58.1% female and 41.9% male participants. Sinusitis was abundant among individuals aged 16-25 (27.9%), commonly associated with cold weather (58.1%) and dust exposure (51.2%). Staphylococcus spp. (49.4%) and Candida parapsilosis (26.9%) were the predominant bacteria and fungi, respectively, isolated from nasal cavities. Strong antibacterial action was demonstrated by ciprofloxacin against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and strong antifungal activity was demonstrated by ketoconazole (125 mg).

Conclusion: Individuals aged 16-25 are notably susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, with females showing the highest vulnerability. Our study sheds light on microbial agents and their susceptibility patterns, aiding physicians in effective management strategies.

Keywords: Aerobic bacteria, Fungus, Sinusitis, Susceptibility, Demographics