Otomycosis in Chronic Otitis Media

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOtomycosis is a frequently diagnosed entity by an otolaryngologist with non-specific symptoms ranging from pruritus, aural fullness, and ear discharge and ear pain. Accurate diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion, especially in cases of chronic suppurative otitis Media.The aims of this study were-1. To investigate the prevalence of otomycosis in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media 2. To identify fungal pathogens present in chronic suppurative otitis media. 3. To identify bacterial flora in the ear discharges. MATERIALS AND METHODSPresent study is a Descriptive study. Study population included 322 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media who attended the Department of ENT, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram from February 2013 to January 2014. The discharge specimens were worked on for isolation and culture of bacterial, fungal organism. The results were analysed. RESULTSOtomycosis in chronic suppurative otitis media, mostly affected age group is 21-30, mainly females. House wives and manual labourers were more affected. Prior antibiotic ear drops (60%) and diabetes mellitus (22%) were the common predisposing factors. Cultures revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa (56%) as the major bacterial pathogen and Aspergillus (75%) as the major fungal pathogen. CONCLUSIONSignificant numbers of cases of chronic suppurative otitis media with otorrhoea have super added fungal infections. It can cause refractoriness to usual topical antibiotic therapy and failure of surgeries. This study also shows that fungal culture is advisable in refractory cases before starting antibiotic therapy.