"Cholera" in the ear? – A rare infection of the ear canal

Acute otitis externa diffusa is usually caused bacterially by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus or mixed infections. Rarely, other pathogens are also considered, as shown in this case report. A 38-year-old male patient presented with otorrhea that had been present for 3 weeks, a feeling of pressure in the right ear, and concomitant hearing loss on the right side. Prior to the onset of symptoms, the patient had been in Moscow to work in the sewer system. An alio loco ear swab had tested questionably positive for Vibrio cholerae. Ear microscopy revealed a reddened, discretely swollen canal on the right side; the tympanic membrane was slightly reddened and covered with scales. The result of our microbiological examination of the ear swab was negative. Only molecular genetic testing using a PCR gastroenteritis panel provided qualitative evidence of Vibrio spp. DNA, confirming an acute ear infection with Vibrio cholerae. Therapy included systemic administration of ciprofloxacin for 7 days and topical application of ciprofloxacin for 6 weeks. Vibrio cholerae is considered a typical but very rare pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to the infectious disease cholera. With an appropriate travel and occupational history and a progression of disease, infection with rare gastrointestinal tract pathogens such as Vibrio spp. should also be considered as a cause of otitis externa.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022