Mycology of Otomycosis in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis is an acute, subacute or chronic fungal infection of the external auditory meatus. It is worldwide in distribution with a higher prevalence in the hot, humid, and dusty areas of the tropics and subtropics. A wide variety of fungi can cause Otomycosis. Objectives: In this study, we aimed at determining the most common mode of presentation, predisposing factors, and the spectrum of fungi involved in Otomycosis. Materials & Methods: A total of 100 patients clinically suspected of Otomycosis were studied during the study period. All the specimens collected from patients were subjected to standard microbiological procedures for the identification of fungi involved in Otomycosis. Results: In the present study, Otomycosis was found to be more common among females (58.54%) and majority in the age-group 21-30 years (35.36%). Pruritis was the most commonly presenting symptom seen in 77% of the otomycotic patients. Instillation of coconut oil was found to be predominating predisposing factor for Otomycosis (36.59%), followed by self cleaning (32.93%). Aspergillus niger 39(47.56%) was the predominant species isolated. second most common species isolated was Aspergillus flavus 25(30.49%). Aspergillus fumigatus 9(10.97%), Candida species 7(8.54%), Mucor 1(1.22%) and Penicillium species 1(1.22%) were other species isolated. Conclusion: High incidence of Otomycosis has been encountered in tropical countries. In our study, Aspergillus species was found to be the commonest fungi involved in Otomycosis. Laboratory diagnosis is important to know the exact etiology of Otomycosis to institute appropriate antifungal therapy. Key words: Aspergillus, Candida, Clinical features, Predisposing factors