An Unusual Etiology of Bilateral Otitis Media: Oligella ureolytica in an Immunocompetent Adolescent

• Dr.Khyati

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• Dr. VijayKumar Chincholkar

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• Dr.R.V.Dake

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• Dr.Rujuta

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• Dr. Deepika

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• Dr.Apeksha Chopade

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Introduction: Oligella ureolytica is an uncommon Gram-negative bacterium that is rarely implicated in human infections and is often dismissed as a contaminant. Its role in otitis media has been rarely reported. Aim is to emphasize careful specimen collection and accurate microbiological identification are essential for recognizing uncommon non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli as a true pathogen rather than contaminants.

Case report: A 15-year-old immunocompetent male presented with bilateral ear pain, yellowish white thick non-foul-smelling discharge, mild grade fever, and reduced hearing. Otoscopy revealed bilateral small perforations in the pars tensa with oedematous external auditory canals; audiometry showed bilateral conductive hearing loss with a Type B tympanogram, consistent with acute otitis media. Ear discharge cultures from both ears were identified as Oligella ureolytica using automated VITEK® 2 Compact system. The patient was treated with oral minocycline based on susceptibility results and demonstrated significant clinical improvement on follow-up.

Conclusion: This case establishes Oligella ureolytica as a rare yet clinically significant cause of acute otitis media in an immunocompetent patient. It highlights the importance of appropriate specimen collection, timely identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to differentiate true pathogen from contaminants and facilitate early, effective management.

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