Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the effect of human cerumen on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans and describes the order of inhibition of the bacteria and fungi.
Method: Prospective study on 100 cerumen samples using Nutrient agar and SDA as culture medium was performed. Serial 10-fold dilutions using 3.5% cerumen suspension was incubated at 37°C for 12 hours. Ten microliters of each dilution were inoculated on blood agar and incubated for 24 hours.
Results: Of 100 samples, only sterile samples were taken. At dilutions of 103 there was no growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in all samples, no growth of Staphylococcus aureus in 81.25% samples, and Candida albicans in 87.50% samples. After analysis, the order of inhibition was noted as Escherichia coli greater than Pseudomonas aeruginosa greater than Staphylococcus aureus greater than Candida albicans.
Conclusion: Human cerumen has antibacterial and antifungal properties in descending order as shown: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans. Hence, wax acts as a protective coating over the external auditory canal. Thus, routine wax removal is not mandatory unless impacted wax is leading to earache or conductive hearing loss.
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