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Nanocrystalline Silver for the Treatment of Otomycosis: A Retrospective Study
Aditi Sambhaji Moruskar1, Vinod Shinde1, Mayur H Ingale1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, India.
Introduction:
Otomycosis is a common fungal ear infection usually found in tropical and subtropical countries where infections arise due to hot and humid conditions. Also, these infections have a high recurrence rate with limited therapeutic options, which makes their management difficult. There is a long history of applying various antiseptic agents consisting of silver specifically for these broad-spectrum infections. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are futuristic nano-size products for controlling the microbial infection. The study aimed to determine the antifungal properties of nanocrystalline silver in patients with otomycosis.
Materials And Methods:
The study was conducted in Pune (India) in the department of Ear Nose Throat & Head at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and research center, Pune (India) for a period of one year (2019 -2020). Our study included 100 patients (58 male and 42 female) with clinically diagnosed otomycosis, which was treated by applying nanocrystalline silver gel-soaked Gelfoam.
Results:
Our study had patients of 18 to 60 years, with the highest prevalence in males (58%) aged 30 to 45 years. A large number of infection cases were reported at the hospital, i.e., 62 cases during the wet season as compared to 38 cases during the dry season. Commonly found fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus (55%), followed by Candida (45%). Improvements in symptoms were observed in 89% of the patients (70% within 5 to 6 days and 19% from 7 to 14 days).
Conclusion:
Applying nanocrystalline silver cured most of the patients (89%) within 14 days. Treating otomycosis patients with nanocrystalline silver demonstrated beneficial results. Further studies with larger samples should be conducted to validate the benefits of nanocrystalline silver.
Insights
Nanocrystalline silver effectively treated fungal ear infections (otomycosis) in 89% of patients within two weeks. This study highlights silver nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic option for otomycosis management.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Mycology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Otomycosis is a prevalent fungal ear infection in tropical regions, characterized by high recurrence rates and limited treatment options.
- Traditional treatments for otomycosis face challenges, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- Silver-based antiseptics have a historical use against broad-spectrum infections, paving the way for exploring silver nanoparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of nanocrystalline silver in patients diagnosed with otomycosis.
- To determine the therapeutic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in managing fungal ear infections.
Main Methods:
- A one-year study (2019-2020) involving 100 patients with clinically diagnosed otomycosis in Pune, India.
- Treatment involved applying nanocrystalline silver gel-soaked Gelfoam to affected ears.
- Patient demographics, fungal species, and treatment outcomes were recorded.
Main Results:
- The study included 100 patients (58% male, 42% female), aged 18-60 years, with peak prevalence in males aged 30-45.
- Aspergillus (55%) and Candida (45%) were the most common causative fungi.
- Symptom improvement was observed in 89% of patients, with 70% showing improvement within 5-6 days and an additional 19% within 7-14 days.
Conclusions:
- Nanocrystalline silver demonstrated significant efficacy, curing 89% of otomycosis patients within 14 days.
- The findings suggest nanocrystalline silver is a beneficial treatment for otomycosis.
- Further research with larger patient cohorts is recommended to confirm these promising results.
