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Externa otitis caused by the Graphium stage of Pseudallescheria apiosperma

Sourour Neji1, Hadrich Ines1, Trabelsi Houaida1

  • 1Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Habib Bourguiba hospital, Sfax 3025, Tunisia.

Medical Mycology Case Reports
|January 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies otomycosis caused by the Graphium stage of Pseudallescheria apiosperma in an immunocompetent patient. Diagnosis involved macroscopic, microscopic, and PCR sequencing methods, highlighting a potential gardening-related contamination.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Otomycosis, a fungal ear infection, can cause hearing loss and discharge.
  • Pseudallescheria apiosperma is a fungus rarely implicated in human infections.
  • Identifying the specific fungal species is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of otomycosis caused by the Graphium stage of Pseudallescheria apiosperma.
  • To detail the diagnostic methods used for identifying the causative agent.
  • To explore potential sources of infection in an immunocompetent individual.

Main Methods:

  • Macroscopic and microscopic examination of ear canal isolates.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions.
  • PCR sequencing of the beta-tubulin gene for precise species identification.

Main Results:

  • Otomycosis was diagnosed in a 32-year-old immunocompetent male presenting with hypoacusis and purulent otorrhea.
  • Isolates were identified as the Graphium stage of Pseudallescheria sp. based on morphology.
  • PCR sequencing confirmed the species as Pseudallescheria apiosperma.

Conclusions:

  • The Graphium stage of Pseudallescheria apiosperma can cause otomycosis in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Accurate identification using molecular techniques like PCR is essential for fungal diagnosis.
  • Poor hygiene during gardening activities may have led to the ear canal contamination.
Keywords:
Graphium stageOtomycosisPseudallescheria apiospermaTunisia

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