[Selected aspects of modern epidemiology of ENT-mycoses]

The prevalence of mycosis affecting ears, nose, and throat was analysed based on the literature data and the results of original observations of 3964 patients who applied for medical aid to the counseling department of our centre during the period from 2005 to 2007. The study revealed a relative increase in the occurrence of ear, nose, and throat mycosis in the structure of chronic inflammatory pathology. Specifically, the frequency of mycotic otitis rose to 25.2%, mycotic infestation of the pharynx in patients with pharyngitis and tonsillitis to 28.7%, mycotic infestation of the larynx associated with chronic laryngitis to 20%, and mycosis in patients presenting with chronic inflammation of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses to 7%. The spectrum of pathogenic fungi affecting ears, nose, and throat has been identified. The enhanced contribution of various non-albicans Candida strains to the development of chronic inflammation is documented. Aspergillus species are shown to play the increasingly more important role in the affection of palatal tonsils, laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa.