Özet:

Background:Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection involving the external ear Proper identification of predisposing factors and pathogenic agent is important for the success of the therapy and to prevent recurrence. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical features, predisposing factors and microbiological profile of patients with Otomycosis.Material and methods:A descriptive study was undertaken for a period of 11 months in 188 patients. All relevant data were included in the proforma. Fungal debris collected from the external auditory canal wasexamined with direct microscopy with 10% KOH mount. Fungal culture was done in Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar medium.Results:The predominant age group affected with Otomycosis was 30 – 50 years; more common in female population especially in housewives. The disease was mainly unilateral. Main predisposing factors were self-cleaning of ear, water entry into the ear, use of antibiotic/steroid ear drops, use of hearing insert, diabetes mellitus,seborrhoeic dermatitis and history of foreign body ear. Chief presenting complaints were pruritus ear, blocked sensation of ear, ear pain, ear discharge, tinnitus and hard of hearing. Diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed by direct microscopy with KOH mount and fungal culture with Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar. In this study, Aspergillus genus was found to be the most common organism (79%) followed by Candida (17%).Conclusion:Prevention of predisposing factors and maintenance of personal hygiene plays important role in prevention of Otomycosis.From this study it is inferred that otomycosis was common in female population especially in housewives, in the age group of 30 – 50 years and majority had unilateral disease. Maintenance of personal hygiene and prevention of identified major predisposing factors such as self cleaning of ear, water entry into the ear, prolonged use of antibiotic/steroid ear drops and use of hearing insertplay important role in avoiding the occurrence of Otomycosis.

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