Monkey finger mycology? First case of otomycosis externa caused by Trichophyton simii after encounter with a monkey

Abstract

Unilateral ear pain, ear canal blockage and reduced hearing in an 18-year-old Canadian male who had travelled to India revealed, on examination of a swab, secretions bearing unusual fungal filaments visually suggestive of dermatophyte elements. Culture yielded Trichophyton simii, an unusual skin infecting species with a worldwide distribution but most often seen from India. The patient recalled swimming in the Ganges River but also had had his ear manipulated by a street monkey.

Keywords

• Otomycosis
• Trichophyton simii
• Otitis
• Simian
• Travel history