Abstract :
Background: Otomycosis is a superficial, sub-acute or chronic infection of the external auditory canal. 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: To determine the demographic profile & spectrum of fungi involved in Otomycosis in saurashtra & Kutch region of Gujarat.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 101 clinically suspected cases of otomycosis were conducted. The sample are taken by two sterile cotton swabs comprised of secretions, pus and debris from the external auditory canal. Direct microscopic examination by 10% KOH, Gram stain & cuiture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium was done. Identification of fungi done by lacto phenol cotton blue, GERM TUBE TEST & growth on CORNMEAL AGAR and Hichrome Media ysed for species identification.
Result: Out of 101 cases, 76(75.24%) were Culture Positive and 74(73.26%) were KOH positive. Out of 74 KOH positive, 65(87.83%) cases were culture positive. Predominantly males (52.6%) were affected. The most affected age group is 31-40 yrs of age (23.68%). Aspergillus niger (52.63%) was the predominant species isolated followed by Aspergillus flavus (36.84%), Candida spp, Penicillium spp. & Rhizopus spp. The disease is predominantly unilateral.
Conclusion: Otomycosis should be suspected clinically and should be confirmed by laboratory diagnosis to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics & there by antibiotic resistance. Mycological diagnosis is important to differentiated from bacterial infection, since symptoms (pruritus, otalgia, otorrhea and hypacusis) are not specific.
Keyword :
Aspergillus, Otomycosis.