Aim of the study: To determine the fungi causing otomycosis and the associated bacterial pathogens in a rural set up in clinically suspected cases of otomycosis.
Methodology: Ear swabs were collected from 100 clinically suspected cases of otomycosis and from 50 persons who were apparently healthy. All the samples were processed by direct microscopy of KOH mount and Gram staining. Cultures were carried out for both fungal and bacterial isolates, which were identified by standard procedures. The data were statistically analysed.
Results: Among 150 samples, 51.3% yielded only fungal growth, 23.3% grew bacteria only and 19.3% showed mixed growth of fungi and bacteria. Major fungal isolates were Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. One sample grew A. sydowii which is an uncommon agent causing otomycosis. Major bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. All pathogenic bacteria were sensitive to routinely used antibiotics. Samples taken from healthy persons did not yield any fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Keywords: Otomycosis, Aspergillus spp. Candida spp
