Fungal infections of external ear canal in patients with Otomycosis, Babol, 1991-2000

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fungal infection of external ear canal is a common and chronic disease that causes some complications. The objective of this study was to survey the fungal infections of external ear canal in Babol during 1999-2000. Methods: This study was done on all patients in different ages with diagnosis of fungal infections of external ear canal. Biopsy was done by otoscope and then examined in mycology laboratory. Direct tests and culture were performed on samples for isolation of colony of fungi. Findings: This study was done on 305 patients (216 were female and 89 were male). The most common fungi were aspergillus (54.8%) and A.Niger (59.9%) especially in women. The percentage of other isolated fungi was low. Conclusion: With regard to high prevalence of otomycosis, it is recommended to consider fungal infection of external ear canal in cases that primary treatment was not useful.

Keywords

• otomycosis
• saprophytic fungi
• aspergilosis