Prevalence of otomycosis in Khouzestan Province, south-west Iran

AbstractBackground:This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of otomycosis and aetiological agents in Khouzestan province, south-west Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study examined and cultured 881 swabs from suspected external otitis cases, collected from throughout Khouzestan province. Fungal agents were identified by slide culture and complementary tests when necessary.Results:The mean patient age was 37 years. The 20–39 year age group had the highest prevalence of otomycosis: 293 cases, comprising 162 (55.3 per cent) women and 131 (44.7 per cent) men. The seasonal distribution of cases was: summer, 44.7 per cent; autumn, 28.7 per cent; winter, 14.7 per cent; and spring, 11.9 per cent. The fungal agents isolated wereAspergillus niger(67.2 per cent),Aspergillus flavus(13 per cent),Candida albicans(11.6 per cent),Aspergillus fumigatus(6.2 per cent) and penicillium species (2 per cent).Conclusion:Fungal otomycosis is still one of the most important external ear diseases. In this study in south-west Iran,Aspergillus nigerwas the predominant aetiological agent. However, clinicians should be cautious of candidal otomycosis, which has a lower rate of incidence but is more prevalent among 20–39 year olds.