[Mycosis in the ear, nose and throat]

Recent trends of fungal infections of the ear, nose and throat were introduced from the viewpoint of otolaryngologic practice. Aspergillus terreus was the most common pathogen of otomycosis followed by A. niger and A. flavus. Lanoconazole showed the most effective antifungal function for these Aspergillus species by drug sensitivity test. Biological differences between clinical and soil-borne strains of A. terreus were evaluated. The clinical strains showed slower growth-rate on malt extract agar and different patterns of fingerprinting by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA. Aspergillosis is the most common fungal disease in the paranasal sinuses. Unilateral opacity of the maxillary sinus which contains flecks of calcification was specifically found by CT-study. Surgical removal of the fungus ball and establishment of a drainage route to the nasal passage by endoscopic sinus surgery are effective to manage aspergillomas in paranasal sinuses. Although candidosis is a common and mild infection in the oral mucosa, underlying problems related to immunodeficiency syndrome must be evaluated.