Predisposing Factors and Clinical Study of Otomycosis in the Southern Subtropical Regions of India

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear, middle ear and open mastoid cavity. Fungal infections are more frequently encountered in tropical and sub-tropical climates or during periods of intense heat and humidity. Mangalore is a costal city which is situated in the southern Dakshin Kannada district of Karnataka. Because of the moist and humid climate it witnesses large number of cases of fungal infections. Hence, it's a good setting to study the predisposing factors and clinical presentation of fungal infections of ear.</p> <p><strong>Materials and methods:</strong> Data was collected from 126 patients attending otorhinolaryngology out patient department (ENT OPD) at K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, Karnataka. It is a Descriptive Study where hundred and twenty six patients of all age groups and both sexes were enrolled with Purposive Sampling Technique.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Many predisposing factors were attributed of which use of unsterile sticks and swabs (72%) and use of unsterile oil and oil mixture (69%) were common. The patients presented with common complaints of itching (92%) and pain (85%) and less frequently with tinnitus and ear discharge more so in rainy season. Canal hyperemia and oedema were commonly noted. The mycological appearance was that of wet brownish black or gray mouldy mats/spores with epithelial debris and wet blotting paper when associated with candida species in majority of the patients. Lack of cerumin and unhealthy wax were the common physical signs.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>No age group or sex is immune to otomycosis. Manipulated external auditory canal is predisposed to infection. Common clinical presentation being of otitis externa of variable severity. Inflammatory changes with myocological appearance of wet brownish black / gray mouldy mats / spores with epithelial debris with lack of cerumin being the common appearance</p>