Outer Ear Infections in Iran: A Review

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Otitis externa is a common fungal and bacterial infection affecting the outer ear canal.
• Understanding the epidemiology and causative agents is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on otitis externa in Iran.
• To propose standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for outer ear infections.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Iranmedex, Google Scholar, and Magiran.
• Specific keywords were utilized to identify relevant published articles on outer ear infections.

Main Results:

• Forty full-text articles were reviewed, revealing a higher incidence of otitis externa in women across various age groups (1-81 years).
• Common symptoms included itching and a sensation of 'ear fairy'.
• Predominant causative agents were bacterial (Pseudomonas spp.) and fungal (Aspergillus niger), with some mixed infections identified.

Conclusions:

• Fungal and bacterial specific cultures are recommended for accurate diagnosis of otitis externa.
• Adding antifungal drugs to treatment regimens may help alleviate clinical symptoms effectively.