CLINICAL & MYCOLOGICAL PROFILE OF OTOMYCOSIS CASES IN CENTRAL INDIA

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the pinna, external auditory meatus, and ear canal that can be acute, subacute, or chronic. Otomycosis presents a challenge for patients as well as otolaryngologists because it frequently necessitates a lengthy course of treatment and follow-up.

Aims & objectives: The goal of the current investigation was to clarify the risk factors, clinical manifestations, mycological agents, and concomitant bacterial infections seen in patients of otomycosis with a clinical diagnosis at a tertiary hospital.

Material and Methods: The current study was an observational, prospective, hospital-based study that included patients over the age of 15 who had been diagnosed with otomycosis through history and physical examination and who were willing to take part.

Results: The current study comprised 152 individuals that had been determined to have otomycosis by a history and physical examination. The ratio of male to female was 0.56, with women making up the majority (64.47%). The age group of 21–30 years had the largest proportion of patients (30.26%), followed by that of 31–40 years (25%). Hearing loss (73.68%), pruritus (64.47%), earache (47.37%), otorrhoea (38.16%), and tinnitus (9.21%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Self-cleaning (38.16%), no cerumen (15.79%), use of local and systemic antimicrobials (15.79%), and history of chronic suppurative otitis media (11.84%) were all common predisposing factors in the current study. Aspergillus niger (51.32%), Aspergillus flavus (34.21%), Aspergillus fumigatus (6.58%), and Candida species (5.26%) were the most frequent fungi isolated from otomycosis patients.

Conclusion: A prevalent potential predisposing factor for otomycosis included self-cleaning, a lack of cerumen, the use of local and systemic antimicrobials, and a history of chronic suppurative otitis media. In such circumstances, common isolates included Aspergillus and Candida species.

Keywords: lack of cerumen, chronic suppurative otitis media, otomycosis, Aspergillus. Species