[Otomycosis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis]

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear canal.
• Cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media is a common ear condition.

Observation:

• A patient with left cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media presented with otorrhea and otalgia.
• Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a rare cause of otomycosis, was identified as the causative agent.

Findings:

• Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a saprophytic fungus commonly found in the environment.
• Intensive gardening with poor hygiene may have led to the fungal contamination.
• Mycologic diagnosis of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis otomycosis is relatively straightforward.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of fungi causing otomycosis.
• Nystatin is confirmed as an effective treatment for Scopulariopsis brevicaulis otomycosis in the region.
• Emphasizes the importance of hygiene, especially during activities like gardening, to prevent fungal infections.