English

Abstract

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of External auditory canal. Otomycosis has worldwide distribution with high prevalence in hot, humid and dusty climates of tropical and subtropical regions. Management of Otomycosis is dependent on thorough understanding of anatomy of external ear canal, knowledge of microbiology and pathophysiology of potential pathogens. OBJECTIVES: To determine importance of various aetio-pathological factors in causation of Otomycosis. To study pattern of fungal isolates encountered in cases of Otomycosis. To study management of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was undertaken in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College & Hospital, Tumkur from January 2012 to December 2012. It was a time bound study, wherein 51 cases were studied. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: Highest incidence (25.5%) was noted in age group of 21-30 years. Common predisposing factor was use of unsterile material for cleaning ear in 55.3% cases. Fungal debris within canal in form of wet brownish black or grey mouldy mats/ spores with epithelial debris was found in 53.2% cases. Aspergillus was most common fungus isolated in 81%. Clotrimazole showed good response symptomatically and mycological clearance was seen within one week in 74.4% cases and persistence of disease up to 2 - 4 weeks was seen in 25.5% cases. On follow up failure or recurrence disease within 2 months was observed in 10.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: In conclusion Otomycosis/mycotic otitis externa is still a common problem and is often misdiagnosed for other chronic otitis conditions.