Postoperative Endoauriculitis Due to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Cured by a Second Operation

Abstract

Severe infections due to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa organism were rare before the use of antibiotics¹ and usually occurred in debilitated patients or following instrumentation of the urinary tract.^2,3 Since penicillin and broad-spectrum antibiotics have been introduced, there have been reports that the Pseudomonas organism has emerged to produce serious infections.^4-6 These infections are difficult to treat because the organism is resistant to most antibiotics. Sensitivity to polymyxin B sulfate, neomycin sulfate, and streptomycin has been reported, but resistance to the latter 2 develops rapidly.^7-9 Even though in vitro sensitivity to polymyxin B sulfate can be demonstrated, eradication of the organism from a fresh blood clot has been unsuccessful.⁸ Twenty-four cases of endocarditis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been reported.^2,10-17 Seven of these developed after surgery for either acquired or congenital heart disease. Six of these 7 cases died. One recovered after removal of a