Detection and Species Distribution of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Otomycosis in a Tertiary Health Center in Kano, Nigeria

Otomycosis is the commonest cause of otitis externa seen in otorhinolaryngology clinics, especially in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Diagnosis is usually made clinically and confirmed by laboratory identification of fungal elements. We conducted a cross-sectional and hospital-based epidemiological study that aimed to determine the prevalence, distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile of common aetiologic agents of otomycosis in Kano, northwestern Nigeria. We collected clinical samples from 300 patients who presented with symptoms of external ear infection, out of which 117 subjects (39.0%) were mycologically positive. Aspergillus species were the predominant isolate, with 90 (77.0%), followed by Candida species at 27 (23.0%). Otomycosis accounts for 39% of otitis externa seen in our center, mostly presenting with pruritus and otalgia. Raising the awareness of the general population to the predisposing factors may significantly reduce the incidence of otomycosis.