The case of infectious otomycosis. Clinical and etiological aspects of 22 cases

Abstract

Descriptive study in 22 patients researching the roll they accomplished fungi were an important etiological agent in the 22 cases of patients studied. Micotic infection in detected was 54% of the patients by using direct microscopic observation and culture. In 36.4% of the cases, diagnosis was established by culture alone and in 9.1% of the patients the diagnosis was achieved with direct examination. The most remarkable symptoms were discharge, pruritus and - or pain. The most important predisposing factor was humidity of the external ear. Upon physical examination, erdness edema, cellular detritus and humid masses that occupied the ear canals were the most prominent findings. Aspergillus flavus (31.8%), and Candida parapsilopsis (22.7%) were the most frequent agents. Aspergillus sp was present in 54:5% of the cultures, being the most important agent, followed by Candida sp. In this way, the clinical laboratory can become an important and safe diagnostic tool.