Title: Fungal Otitis Externa: Clinical and Fungal Evaluation in Hyderabad-Karnataka Region
Authors: Channabasawaraj. B. Nandyal, Ramchandra Joshi, Quasser, Sahana, Pallavi
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i5.128
Abstract
Background: Ear is a paired structure and a specialized sense organ for hearing and balance. Fungal otitis externa is a superficial fungal infection of the external auditory canal causing lot of suffering to the patient which is commonly seen in ENT practice. Even though the condition is worldwide in distribution is more common in humid tropical and sub-tropical regions like Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, as the climatic condition predispose to fungal otitis externa. Hence, this present study is taken to evaluate the predisposing factors and common fungal isolates seen in patients with fungal otitis externa in Hyderabad-Karnataka region
Aims and Objective: To evaluate the Predisposing factors and common fungal isolates seen in patients with fungal otitis externa in Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 160 clinically diagnosed cases of Fungal Otitis Externa attending the ENT OPD for a period of one year. Ear discharge specimens were collected on two sterile cotton swabs. Direct Examination of the specimen was carried out by Gram stain and 10% KOH Preparation. All specimens were inoculated on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar. Identification of fungi was done as per standard protocol.
Results: Out of 160 patients Evaluated, Fungal isolates were found in 138 cases (86.25%). The highest incidence was noted in the age group of 31-40 years, more prevalent in Females (60.86%), with unilateral distribution more on right ear. Pain in the ear was most commonest symptom (95.65%) followed by itching (92.75%) and Most common fungi isolated were Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Niger and Aspergillus Fumigatus followed by Candida Species.
Conclusion: It is concluded from our study that Fungal otitis externa is one of commonest conditions seen with prevalence varying with climatic conditions, but warm humid environments support their growth, and the human ear canal is ideal for their proliferation. It occurs in men and women of all ages and is usually a unilateral disease. Aspergilli were considered as predominant fungi for fungal otitis externa. The study also concludes that patients have to be educated not to use unsterile materials to clean the ears which will be effective in prevention of fungal otitis externa.
Keywords: Aspergillus, Candida , External Auditory Canal , Fungal Otitis Externa , Otalgia.
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