Malignant Otitis Externa

Malignant otitis externa originates from a soft tissue infection of the external auditory canal. Diabetes, especially patients with uncontrolled serum glucose and immunocompromised patients including HIV are at highest risk for this disease. Pseudomonas is a dominant microbe that colonizes the external auditory Canal in settings of trauma or excess moisture. Other microbes include Klebsiella and Mersa, which may account for up to 15% of cases.