PREVALENCE OF MYCELIAL FUNGAL FORMS IN CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Main Article Content
Keywords
Chronic Otitis Media, mycelial fungi, Aspergillus, fungal otitis media, prevalence, tertiary care hospital.
Abstract
Background: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is a common condition associated with recurrent ear discharge, often involving bacterial or fungal infections. Mycelial fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, are frequently implicated in fungal otitis media, but their prevalence remains underreported in many regions.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of mycelial fungal infections in patients with COM at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A prospective, hospital-based observational study was conducted over a 9-month period in the Department of Microbiology at Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Durgapur,India. A total of 196 patients diagnosed with otomycosis were enrolled. Fungal isolates were identified through culture and microscopy. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and predisposing factors were recorded and analyzed.
Results: Among the 196 patients, 132 were male and 64 were female, with the majority aged 21-30 years. A total of 109 patients had Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (ASOM), and 87 had Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM). The most common symptoms were hearing loss (54.1%) and pruritus (34.8%). Fungal cultures revealed Aspergillus niger in 63.3% of cases, followed by Aspergillus flavus (18.3%), Aspergillus fumigatus (6.4%), and Candida species (2.7%). Key risk factors included self-cleaning of the ears (44.9%) and prior antimicrobial use (12.8%).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of mycelial fungal infections in patients with COM, with Aspergillus niger being the most common pathogen. Early identification and appropriate antifungal treatment are essential for effective management. Increased awareness of fungal involvement in otitis media, particularly in high-risk patients, is crucial for improving outcomes.
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Dr Pinki Kumari
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Phulo Jhano Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Dr Jiwesh Kumar Thakur
Professor, Department of Surgery, Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Durgapur, India.
Ramjanam Prasad
Senior resident, Department of Microbiology, PhuloJhano Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand
Dr Aditya Kumar Jha
Specialist Medical officer, Sadar Hospital, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India
Dr Chaitanya Konda
AssociateProfessor, Department of General Medicine, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Karimnagar, India
Dr Sai Ravi Kiran Biri
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Phulo Jhano Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand, India
Dr Vijay Kumar
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Laxmi Chandravansi Medical College, Palamu, Jharkhand, India