Otomycosis is an acute, subacute or chronic fungal infection of the external auditory canal. It is worldwide in distribution with a higher prevalence in the hot, humid, and dusty areas of the tropics and subtropics. A wide variety of fungi can cause Otomycosis. In this study, our aim was to determine the most common mode of presentation, predisposing factors, and the spectrum of fungi involved in Otomycosis. 60 Ear discharge samples were collected aseptically using two sterile cotton swabs. One swab was used for direct microscopic examination and used for fungal culture. For mycological identification, direct microscopic examination was carried out by 10 % KOH examination and inoculation of material was done on two slants of Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol (Himedia, India). Identification was done on the basis of colony morphology, Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) mount microscopy and germ tube test. Out of 60 specimens, Fungal isolates were found in 44 () specimens. Aspergillus niger 21 () was the predominant species isolated. Followed by Aspergillus flavus 12 (), Candida albicans 05 (), Aspergillus fumigatus 04 (), Mucor 01 () and Penicillium species 01 () Highest frequency of Otomycosis was found in the age group of 15 – 35 years, followed by >35 – 55 years. Predominant predisposing factor for Otomycosis was found to be instillation of coconut oil () followed by self-cleaning (). Hearing loss () was the predominant symptom in Otomycotic patients followed by pain (). Rural communities with higher practice of self-cleaning and using home remedies to get relief from ear ailments are at higher risk of Otomycosis. Species like Aspergillus and Candida are the common species involved in such cases. There is a need to educate rural population about serious complications of selfcleaning and using home remedies for ear problems. | Mycological profile of otomycosis in tertiary care teaching hospital
