Mycological potrial of otomycosis study conducted in central Maharashtra

Background: Fungal infection of the external ear (otomycosis) is a common condition encountered by the otorhinolaryngologist in routine ENT clinic. Otomycosis associated with symptoms of itching, pain, aural fullness, aural discharge, hearing impairment and tinnitus. we have undertaken this study with the aim to describe the spectrum of fungi, clinic-pathology of patients with otomycosis. Methods: Present study was prospective in nature conducted among 100 otomycosis patients. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria were taken up for the study. Study was carried out over a period of 1.5 years. Results: Majority of the patients was in the age group of 16-30 years and most of them were male. Most common presenting complaint was itching (83%) followed by otalgia (54%), ear block (34%), hearing loss (31%) and ear discharge (20%). Most common fungal spp. Isolate was Aspergillus Niger. Conclusions: Aspergillus Niger was the commonest fungal species in otomycosis with 75% sensitivity to usually started clotrimazole and fluconazole being least efficacious antifungal.