Otomycosis is common throughout the world but barely studied in Spain. Our objective was to determine the microbiological and epidemiological characteristics of this pathology in Cadiz (Spain) between 2005 and 2010. Samples from patients with suspicion of otomycosis underwent a direct microscopic examination and culture on different media for fungi and bacteria. Mycological cultures were incubated at 30°C for at least seven days. Identification of fungi was based on colonial morphology and microscopic examination of fungal structure. From a total of 2,633 samples, microbial growth was present in 1,375 (52.2%) and fungal isolation in 390 (28.4%). We identified 228 yeasts and 184 filamentous fungi (13.4% of positive cultures and 47.2% of otomycosis), associated with yeasts in 22 cases (5.6%). The most frequent species were Aspergillus flavus (42.4%), A. niger (35.9%), A. fumigatus (12.5%), A. candidus (7.1%), A. terreus (1.6%), and Paecilomyces variotii (0.5%). Infection was predominant in men (54.9%) and patients beyond 55 years old (46.8%). The most common clinical symptoms were itching (98.9%), otalgia (59.3%), and hypoacusis (56.0%). Fall season reported the lowest number of cases (20.1%). Incidence of otomycosis and fungi producing otomycosis vary within the distinct geographical areas. In Cadiz, this infection is endemic due to warm temperatures, high humidity, sea bathing, and wind, which contributes to disseminate the conidia. Despite Aspergillus niger has been reported as the main causative agent, A. flavus is predominant in Cadiz. Although infection is usually detected in warm months, we observed a homogeneous occurrence of otomycosis in almost all the seasons.

Candida nivariensis is a new emergent agent related to human infections in the vaginal tract and other localizations, but the phenotypic characteristics are very similar to Candida glabrata and can be misidentified and underdiagnosed. We described four cases of vulvovaginitis identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and confirmed the results with PCR amplification and sequencing of the entire ITS genomic region (ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8 rRNA). We reinforce the need for new diagnostic tools for the correct identification of yeast infections.

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The aim of this study was to characterize plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC)-producing Escherichia coli clinical isolates. A total of 101 strains with AmpC-susceptibility pattern were prospectively included. All isolates were tested by multiplex PCR to detect different bla genes. Phylogenetic groups were determined by a multiplex PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by a microdilution commercial method. Presence of blapAmpC was detected in 79 (78.2%) of the strains; in these pAmpC-producing isolates, blaTEM was detected in 41 (51.9%) strains, blaSHV in 5 (6.3%) strains, blaOXA in 3 (3.8%) strains, and blaCTX-M in 3 (3.8%) strains. blaVIM and blaKPC were detected in one strain. Sixteen strains belonged to phylogroup A, 27 to B1, 20 to B2, and 16 to D. As conclusion, the majority of the strains of E. coli with AmpC-susceptibility pattern are pAmpC positive, although the association of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and pAmpC is unusual.