Fungal spectrum in otomycosis at tertiary care hospital.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Otomycosis is a superficial mycotic infection of the external auditory canal that is caused by opportunistic fungi. It is a common fungal infection of the ear that is worldwide in distribution. The infection usually characterized by inflammation, pruritus, trauma to external auditory canal, scaling and severe discomfort such as suppuration and pain. We have tried to clarify the different causative factors & predisposing factors for otomycosis in our environment. Material & Methods: In this study we were including 100 patients (53 female and 47 male) with presumptive diagnosis of otomycosis. We performed mycological analysis on swab or fungal ball from external auditory canal of 100 patients. The diagnosis was confirmed micro biologically by direct microscopy (10% KOH mount) and fungal culture methods. Results: Otomycosis was more common among females as compared to males & also common in age groups of 20-35 yrs. The most common fungal pathogens isolated were Aspergillus niger (75.82%) followed by Aspergillus fumigatus( 13.19 %), Candida albicans ( 7.69 %) & Aspergillus flavus ( 3.3 %). while bacterial co infection/ super infection was detected in 6 cases. Conclusion: In this study we observe that otomycosis is unilateral condition more common in young age housewives and farmers particularly during summer and rainy season.