A Clinicomycological Analysis of Fungi Involved in Otomycosis

Abstract

Background:                                                                                              

        Otomycosis is a common infective condition of the external auditory canal caused by fungal species. It has a worldwide distribution yet its prevalence is greater in the tropical and subtropical region due to the climatic conditions.

Objective:                   

          The aim of the study was to determine the common predisposing factors and the various fungal agents involved in clinically suspected cases of otomycosis.

Study design: Observational study

Materials and methods: 

             Samples were collected from 200 patients who were suspected clinically of otomycosis and were subjected to mycological analysis. The study group included patients attending the ENT outpatient department in our institution.

Results:

    Of the 200 clinical samples that were evaluated, otomycosis was confirmed in 57% .The commonest symptoms were otalgia and aural pruritus. Injudicious use of eardrops was the common predisposing factor followed by use of oil in the ear. Aspergillus niger was identified as the  most common fungal species involved followed by Candida albicans.

Conclusion:

           Otomycosis is a very common diagnosis in the ORL( Otorhinolaryngology) outpatient department and highly refractory to treatment and associated with a variety of fungal agents involved. This clearly demonstrates that more studies related to otomycosis are necessary to provide effective treatment strategies directed at the individual agents.