Demographic profile and fungal characteristics in patients of otomycosis in North Indian population- A Prospective study

ABSTRACT

Fungal infections such as otomycosis have been reported decades back. Distribution of this particular disease has been reported worldwide from the areas having a hot and humid environment especially tropical and subtropical zone. This study included 244 patients of suspected otomycosis from January 2017 to June 2018, in which the presence of fungal agents was determined by mycological examination. The mycological investigation revealed A. niger and Candida as predominant species. Incidence in the male population was higher than females. Otorrhea and pruritis were the common symptoms presented by patients. Several risk factors associated with otomycosis including moisture, broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents use, topical ear drops and frequent bathing or swimming was reported. Amphotericin B was found to be more sensitive followed by voriconazole during antifungal susceptibility testing. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of otomycosis with emphasis on involved etiologic agents and their antifungal sensitivity pattern.