Related Experiment Videos

[Fungal necrotizing external otitis]

Radhouane Mani1, Malek Belcadhi, Nessrine Krifa

  • 1Service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervicofaciale, CHU Farhat-Hached, avenue Ibn-ElJazzar, Sousse 4000, Tunisie. mani_radhouane@yahoo.fr

Annales D'Oto-Laryngologie Et De Chirurgie Cervico Faciale : Bulletin De La Societe D'Oto-Laryngologie Des Hopitaux De Paris
|March 4, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal necrotizing otitis externa, though rare, is increasingly seen in diabetic patients. Prompt diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial for recovery, especially when bacterial infections fail to respond.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal necrotizing otitis externa (FNOE) is an uncommon but growing concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • This study presents the largest published series of FNOE cases, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies.

Observation:

  • Four diabetic patients (69-74 years) initially treated for bacterial necrotizing otitis externa were diagnosed with FNOE.
  • Aspergillus flavus and Candida parapsilosis were identified in two cases; diagnosis was confirmed via biopsy in one and empirical in another.
  • Two patients experienced facial paralysis during their illness.

Findings:

  • Lack of response to standard antibiotic therapy for otitis externa suggests FNOE.
  • Deep biopsies of the external auditory canal or mastoid are often necessary for definitive diagnosis.
  • Intravenous amphotericin B and oral itraconazole formed the basis of treatment.

Implications:

  • Early suspicion of FNOE is vital in non-responsive otitis externa cases, especially in diabetic patients.
  • Timely antifungal intervention can lead to successful disease resolution.
  • Further research is needed to understand the increasing incidence and optimal management of FNOE.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...