Investigation of Etiologic Agents and Clinical Presentations of Otomycosis at a Tertiary Referral Center in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND

Otomycosis is a superficial infection of the ear caused by a spectrum of various fungal agents and its epidemiology depends on geographical region and climatic condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal agents and clinical manifestations of otomycosis at a tertiary referral center in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

From Apr 2016 to Jan 2017 a set of 412 subjects with suspicion of external otitis were included. Clinical examination and specimen collection were performed by an otorhinolaryngologist. Subsequently, direct examination and culture were performed on specimens and isolated molds were identified morphologically. Yeast isolates were identified using CHROMagar medium and PCR-RFLP of ribosomal DNA whenever needed. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Otomycosis was confirmed in 117 cases (28.39%) including 64 (54.7%) males and 53 (45.3%) females. Patients were within the age range of 10-75 yr and the highest prevalence was found in the age group of 46-55 yr (30.77%). Pruritus (89.74%) and auditory manipulation and trauma (83.76%) were the predominant symptom and predisposing factor, respectively. Among 133 isolates from 117 patients, (n=50, 37.59%) was the most common etiologic agent and (n=25, 18.8%) was the predominantly isolated yeast. Furthermore, 16 cases of mixed infection were identified and coinfection due to and (seven cases) was the predominant pattern.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed the high prevalence of and mixed infections in otomycosis patients. Therefore, mycological examinations should be considered for proper treatment.