OTOMYCOSIS IN CENTRAL IRAN: A CLINICAL AND MYCOLOGICAL STUDY

Background: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear with bothersome symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of fungal agents, predisposing factors and characteristics of patients. Methods: Between May 2008 and April 2010, 171 patients with clinical suspicion of otomycosis were enrolled and the samples from their external ear were examined for any mycological infection. Results: Otomycosis was confirmed after mycological diagnosis in 69% of clinically suspected patients. The highest incidence of otomycosis was in autumn and in patients aged 21-40 years old. Working in dry dusty environment was a major predisposing factor. Pruritus was the most common symptom. Aspergillus flavus was the most common fungus in otomycosis followed by A. niger , Candida albicans, A. fumigatus , A. nidulans and C. parapsilosis.