Study Some Factors Predisposing the Prevalence of Otitis Media in the Diyala Governorate.

Otitis media is a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all ages, often accompanied by symptoms such as ear pain, fluid accumulation, and possible hearing loss. Bacterial infections are among the leading causes, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae frequently implicated. This study aimed to identify the bacterial agents responsible for otitis media among patients attending hospitals in Diyala Governorate. A total of 172 ear swab samples were collected between September 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Bacterial identification was carried out using biochemical tests and the VITEK 2 system. The findings revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most prevalent isolate (36%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11% each). Other less frequent isolates included Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Infection was more common among males, individuals aged 16–30, those with lower educational levels, urban residents, and smokers. These results emphasize the necessity of enhanced public health awareness, accurate microbial diagnostics, and responsible antibiotic use to improve treatment outcomes and combat antimicrobial resistance.