Mycological Profile in Otomycosis Patients and their Drug Sensitivity: A Cross-sectional Study at Union Territory of Puducherry, India
Introduction: In clinical Otorhinolaryngology practice, otomycosis is a common problem to overcome caused by Aspergillus and Candida species. Although, we come across many difficulties to diagnose and treat otomycosis infections, many patients show drug resistance to antifungal agents with a hi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2022-10-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/17073/57715_CE(AD)_F(SK)_PF1(AG_OM)_PFA(SS)_PB(AG_SS)_PN(SS).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: In clinical Otorhinolaryngology practice,
otomycosis is a common problem to overcome caused by
Aspergillus and Candida species. Although, we come across
many difficulties to diagnose and treat otomycosis infections,
many patients show drug resistance to antifungal agents with a
high prevalence rate.
Aim: To elucidate the pattern of mycological agents and
susceptibility testing of fungal species in samples collected
from patients with an ear infection at a tertiary hospital.
Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based crosssectional
study conducted in the Department of Microbiology
and Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) at Aarupadai
Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India, from
August 2018 to January 2020. A total of 126 samples were
collected, transported and analysed for bacteriological and
mycological analysis using direct inspection and culture
techniques. By using the disc diffusion technique, the antifungal
susceptibility testing was carried out to determine the sensitivity
and resistance against ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole,
and amphotericin B. Data were analysed in terms of frequency
using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)
software 25.0 version.
Results: Out of 126 samples, fungal isolates were 92, out of
which the most common fungal isolate was Aspergillus niger
followed by A. flavus, Candida albicans (C. albicans), A. terreus,
and A. fumigatus. Also, the major common bacterial isolates were
Staphylococcus aureus followed by Pseudomonas, Proteus,
Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Klebsiella spp. Prevalence in males
(58.73%) was more as compared to the females (41.27%), and
itching was the most common presenting symptom. Otomycosis
in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) mainly affected
males (40%) and is common in middle-aged groups (20-35 years)
of outdoor and indoor workers, housewives and farmers,
particularly during the monsoon season. Antifungal susceptibility
testing of A. flavus and A. niger isolates revealed high sensitivity
to amphotericin B, itraconazole and ketoconazole drugs but low
efficacy to fluconazole drugs.
Conclusion: Otomycosis should be suspected clinically to prevent
the unnecessary use of antibiotics. A high incidence of otomycosis
has been encountered in many tropical countries. In present study,
Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. were the commonest fungal
isolates in otomycosis. In our community, currently two drugs,
amphotericin B and ketoconazole are the most frequently used for
fungal infection. Properly identifying fungal agents and host factors
involved in otomycosis can improve such patients’ outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |