Nanocrystalline silver for treatment of otomycosis- A Retrospective study

Introduction: Otomycosis is the common infection of ear caused by fungus generallyfound in tropical and subtropical countries where hot and humid conditions assist these types of infections. Also, the recurrence rate of these infections is high and there is limited therapeutic options,which makes its management challenging. The purpose of our study was to determine the antifungal properties of nanocrystalline silveron patients with otomycosis.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out in Pune (India) at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical college, Hospital and research centre in the department of Ear Nose Throat Head over a period of one year (2019 -2020). Our study constitutes 100 patients,(58 male and 42 female),with clinicallydiagnosed otomycosis were treated using nanocrystalline silver gel soaked Gelfoam. Results: The Patients which were included in our study were in theage group of 18 to 60 years with highest prevalence in male (58%) aged 30 to 45 years.There were a greater number of cases of infection coming to the hospitali.e., 62 casesduring wet season compare to dry season which were 38 cases. Most common fungus encountered belonged to genus Aspergillus (55%) followed by Candida (45%). 89% of the patients (70% within 5 to 6 days and 19% from 7 to 14 days) symptomatically improved.Conclusion: Use of Nanocrystalline silver cured most of the patients (89%) within 14 days. Treating Otomycosis patients with Nanocrystalline silver showed beneficial results. Study with large sample should be conducted to validate the benefits of Nanocrystalline silver