Survey of otomycosis in north- western area of Iran(1447- 2004)

Background and Otomycosis(Otitis externa) is an acute, subacte or chronic fungal infection that has exogenous or endogenous origin. The present study was carried out to investigate the etiologic agents and determine risk factore and epidemiological aspects of otomycosis in north- West area of Iran. Clinical samples of suspected patients were studied in direct microscopy and cultured in specific medium for determining the causative fungi. 89 patients 64 male and 25 female were recruited and studies. The disease were more prevalent in 20- 40 years in both sexes.Identified etiologic agents with direct examination and culture of samples in numerous series were: Aspergillus niger(51 cases), A. terreus(9 cases), A. flavus(7 cases), A Fuminagatus(6 cases), Eurotium(prefect stage of A. glaucus)(2 cases), penicillium Sp.(2 cases), Candida albicans(8 cases), Epicoccum Sp.(1 case), Mucor Sp. (1 case), Rhizopus Sp.(1 case) and Microsporum canis(1 case). Saprophytic moulds were the main etiologic agent of Otomycosis and Aspergillus niger was the prime causaltive agent. Infection in 20 –40 year age group was the most prevalent and Otomycosis among females was determined more than male. This report has provided useful information on the prevalence, causative agents and health implications of Otomycosis, as an infection grossly neglected in enviroment.