A study of fungal infections in ear, nose and throat

Abstract

Background: There is increase in the incidence of fungal infections in ear, nose and throat in recent times with increased use of cytotoxic drugs, broad spectrum antibiotics and immune-suppressive agents and advent of HIV infection. Hence a study is needed to understand the nature of fungal infections in ENT for effective treatment. Objective: To study fungal infections in ENT areas with particular reference to etiology and predisposing factors. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary government general hospital for one year. All the new patients attending the ENT department were screened for fungal infections and diagnosis was confirmed by relevant investigations. The data was analyzed for determining etio-pathogenesis and predisposing factors. Results: The overall percentage of fungal infections in the new patients was found to be 2.19%. Young adult males with immuno-suppression were more commonly affected by them. Otomycosis is the commonest fungal infection and excessive use of local antibiotic ear drops is the commonest predisposing factor for it. Conclusion: Fungal infections occur commonly in young adult males and immuno-suppression is the commonest predisposing factor.

Keywords

• immuno-suppression. fungal infections
• ear
• nose
• throat