Fungal Etiology of otitis externa in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients-a Study in Peripheral health Facility

Anshul Kumar; Lokesh Chaudhary

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

Fungal Etiology of otitis externa in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients-a Study in Peripheral health Facility

Anshul Kumar, Lokesh Chaudhary

Abstract :

Otitis externa (Ear canal infection) is an inflammation or infection of outer ear canal, the passage leading to the ear drum or tympanic memane. Patients with Diabetes mellitus are in immune–compromised state and more prone to ear infections. Diabetes is considered as one of the predisposing factor for Otitis externa. This is a prospective study done on patients attending in O.P.D of C.H.Nagrota bagwan over a period of 6 months. Samples from infected ears are collected and processed using Sabourads Dextrose Agar and are identified exactly by Slide Culture technique and by using Lactophenol Cotton blue stain. Out of 50 suspected cases of the Mycotic Otitis externa, 38(76%) were found to be positive for fungal infection. Most commonly isolated fungi in this study was Candida species (42%) followed by Aspergillus species (22%) and Rhizopus oryzae (20%). Candida albicans was most common. The study also show that highest incidence of fungal infection occurred in the rainy season whereas the lowest incidence occurred in summer season. We also conclude that fungal culture is beneficial for diagnosing otitis externa. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients are prone to ear infections as well as other infections, diagnosing exact etiology plays an important role in early instigation of treatment.