Bilateral Otitis Media Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA: Clinical Management in a Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

Background: Psittacine birds occasionally suffer from otitis media due to bacterial infections caused by poor husbandry, stress, or improper antibiotic use. A variety of clinical signs can be observed, ranging from subtle head tilting to neurological abnormalities. As a primary pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus can cause persistent infections and lead to antimicrobial resistance in different animal species. It is rare for small psittacines, such as lovebirds, to suffer from bilateral otitis media. A lovebird with antibiotic-resistant bilateral otitis media is featured in this case study, which illustrates its clinical progression, treatment challenges, and microbiological findings. Methods: A lovebird was referred to Pet Birds Clinic of University of Tehran after a week of unsuccessful treatment for an ear infection with topical ciprofloxacin and celecoxib combination. The bird showed bilateral peri-aural swelling, purulent discharge, head tilt, dull plumage, and severe lethargy. Otoscopy verified the presence of exudate obstructing both auditory canals. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the collected samples by culturing onto MacConkey agar and blood agar plates. As a first step in treatment, a combination of chloramphenicol drops, meloxicam oral tablet, and co-amoxiclav was prescribed. After one week, only partial improvement was seen. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that S. aureus was resistant to more than one drug, including penicillin derivatives such as methicillin, which led to a change in the medication. Conclusion: This case highlights the rarity and clinical complexities of bilateral otitis media induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a lovebird. The ineffectiveness of empirical fluoroquinolone therapy underscores the necessity for regular culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in cases of persistent avian otitis.

کلیدواژه ها:

Otitis media ، Staphylococcus aureus ، Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) ، Antimicrobial susceptibility testing ، Avian medicine