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Fungal infections of ear with special reference to chronic suppurative otitis media
P Talwar1, A Chakrabarti, P Kaur
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chadigarh, India.
Abstract:
Fungus were found to take important role in ear infections of the 344 patients (CSOM 286, Otomycosis 44, Otitis externa 14), significant fungal infections (with positive smear and culture) were detected on 49%, 79.5%, 66.6% patients respectively. 84.8% patients were detected both by smear and culture, 14.1% patients by culture and 0.1% patients in smear preparation only. In CSOM patients, age predominated in 20-27 yrs group, sex in male below 30 yrs, and Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium, A. fumigatus in mycelial fungus, Candida albicans, C. parapsillosis in yeast. But in 18 post antibiotic fungus infected patients Penicillium and A. niger were the important isolates. In otomycosis and otitis externa patients A. niger took the main role.
Insights
Fungal infections are common in ear conditions like chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and otomycosis. Aspergillus and Candida species were frequently identified fungal pathogens in these ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Fungal infections play a significant role in various ear conditions.
- Prevalence varies across different types of otic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of fungal infections in patients with ear conditions.
- To identify common fungal species causing chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), otomycosis, and otitis externa.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 344 patients with ear infections.
- Microscopic smear and fungal culture techniques were employed for diagnosis.
- Demographic data and etiological agents were recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant fungal infections detected in 49% (CSOM), 79.5% (Otomycosis), and 66.6% (Otitis Externa) of patients.
- Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, and Aspergillus fumigatus were common mycelial fungi.
- Candida albicans and Candida parapsilopsis were the predominant yeasts.
- Aspergillus niger was the primary isolate in otomycosis and otitis externa.
- Penicillium and Aspergillus niger were significant in post-antibiotic infections.
Conclusions:
- Fungi are key pathogens in ear infections, particularly CSOM, otomycosis, and otitis externa.
- Accurate identification of fungal species is crucial for effective treatment.
- Understanding demographic predispositions aids in managing these infections.