بررسي اتومايكوزيس در آذربايجان شرقي

A Survey of Otomycosis in Eastern Azarbaidjan

Otomycosis (Otitis externa) is a fungal infection of the external ear canal with only a few studies about its real frequency in Iran. To evaluate otomycosis frequency and characteristics in patients with clinical suspicion of external otitis the present study was carried out in eastern Azarbaidjan (North - West of Iran) during 2006-2008. Materials and Methods A total of 53 patients were assigned to mycological diagnosis (direct microscopic examination and culture). Clinical samples of suspected patients were studied for laboratory identification in direct microscopy and cultured in specific mediums for the determination of their causative fungi. Results Over all 43 fungal isolates [14 male (33%) and 29 female (67%)] were taken from 53 patients suspected of otomycosis. The mycose was more prevalent in 20-40 years age group in both sexes. The most common pathogen was Aspergillus niger (40 cases), followed by A fumigatus (3 cases) and Candida albicans (2 cases). In clinical samples of some cases two different fungi were isolated at the same time. Conclusion Saprophytic molds were the main etiologic agents of otomycosis, and A. niger was the prime causal agent. Infection in 20-40 age groups had the most prevalence and otomycosis among females was determined more than males. This study provided useful information on the prevalence, causative agents and health implications of otomycosis, as an infection grossly neglected in studied environment.