Repurposing a Widely Available Antiseptic in Pediatric Chronic Ear Infections in Nigeria

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mercy Jatto​
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Disease: Chronic suppurative otitis media

Research Description: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is inflammation of the lining of the middle ear cleft. CSOM is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and is a leading cause of pediatric hearing loss in developing countries. Antibiotic eardrops are the current main stay of treatment, but the need to explore other treatment options is needed with emerging resistance and increasing treatment failure. Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic solution used to prepare skin before surgery and as a surgical scrub. It is safe, has a broad spectrum of activity, is readily available in most homes and health facilities in Nigeria and is effective against the microbes responsible for CSOM. This is a randomized clinical trial of 390 children testing povidone-iodine in comparison to antibiotic ear drops. Positive study result could provide the basis for an efficacious, cost effective and readily available treatment option for CSOM in children in low and lower-middle income countries.

Funding Partners: Cures Within Reach and ReGRoW Funders

CWR funding role: Primary funder