Mycological Profile in Otomycosis Patients and their Drug Sensitivity: A Cross-sectional Study at Union Territory of Puducherry, India

Introduction: In clinical Otorhinolaryngology practice, Otomycosis is a common problem to overcome caused by Aspergillus and Candida species. Although we come across many difficulties to diagnose and treat otomycosis infections, many patients show drug resistance to antifungal agents with a high prevalence rate. Aim: To elucidate the pattern of mycological agents and susceptibility testing of fungal species in samples collected from patients with an ear infection at a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: The present study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Microbiology and Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India from August 2018 to January 2020. A total of 126 samples were collected, transported, and analysed for bacteriological and mycological analysis using direct inspection and culture techniques. By using the disc diffusion technique, the antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out to determine the sensitivity and resistance against ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, and Amphotericin B. Data were analysed in terms of frequency using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 25.0 version. Results: Out of 126 samples, fungal isolates were 92, out of which the most common fungal isolate was Aspergillus niger followed by A. flavus, Candida albicans (C. albicans), A. terreus, and A. fumigatus. Also, the major common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus followed by Pseudomonas, Proteus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Klebsiella spp. Prevalence in males (58.73%) was more as compared to the females (41.27%), and itching was the most common presenting symptom. Otomycosis in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) mainly affected males (40%) and is common in middle-aged groups (20-35 years) of outdoor and indoor workers, housewives, and farmers, particularly during the monsoon season. Antifungal susceptibility testing of A. flavus and A. niger isolates revealed high sensitivity to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and ketoconazole drugs but low efficacy to fluconazole drugs. Conclusion: Otomycosis should be suspected clinically to prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics. A high incidence of otomycosis has been encountered in many tropical countries. In present study, Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. were the commonest fungal isolates in otomycosis. In our community currently, two drugs, amphotericin B, and k