Fungal Profile and Its Characteristics in Patients Section of Otomycosis-A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Fungal ear infection is one of the most common infections, which is termed as otomycosis. Common causative agents are Aspergillus and Candida species. Aim: To find the prevalence, identification and susceptibility testing of fungal species in samples collected from patients with ear infection. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from 105 patients of otomycosis and were inoculated on SDA and BA tubes. KOH preparations were made to see the presence of fungal elements. Morphology of filamentous fungi was identified by using Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) and yeast-like fungi by Gram stain and CHROM agar medium. Susceptibility testing was done to find out the sensitivity and resistivity against Voriconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole and Amphotericin-B by disc diffusion method. Results: Otomycosis was common in the age group between 20- 40 years, and males were more affected as compared to females. Common isolates found were moulds such as Aspergillus niger (14.89%), A. flavus (21.2%), A. fumigatus (21.2%), Rhizopus oryzae (2.1%) and Scedosporium (2.1%); yeast-like fungi were Candida tropicalis (34%) and C. glabrata (8.5%). Conclusion: Microscopic examination and fungal culture is essential for confirmation of the diagnosis. Proper identification of fungus followed by antifungal treatment according to susceptibility testing is important for treating such patients.

Keywords

• antifungal susceptibility testing
• aspergillus
• candida