Paper II
2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Otomycosis

Q102 marksShort Notes

Answer

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external auditory canal, most commonly caused by Aspergillus species (particularly A. niger, producing black spores/debris) and, less commonly, Candida species.

Predisposing factors: humid climate, swimming/water exposure, hearing aid/earplug use, chronic topical antibiotic/steroid ear drop use, diabetes, immunosuppression.

Clinical features: itching, aural fullness, otorrhoea; otoscopy may show debris resembling “wet blotting paper”, sometimes with visible black spore heads (A. niger).

Laboratory diagnosis: direct microscopy (KOH mount) of ear discharge showing fungal hyphae/spores; culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar.

Treatment: thorough aural toilet is the single most important step; topical antifungal/acidifying agents; addressing predisposing factors.

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