Isolation, Characterization, and Antifungal Sensitivity Pattern of Candida Species Causing Otomycosis

Abstract

Otomycosis is one of the overwhelming diseases both for patients and specialists with a high recurrence rate despite adequate and proper treatment. This study aims to investigate further the various types of fungi involved in otomycosis and test their susceptibility against common antifungals. In total, among candidiasis-suspected patients, 60 samples were incorporated into the study. PCR method was used for Candida species detection. Broth microdilution method of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M60 was applied to assess MIC values of rampant antifungals. We used SPSS software (version 16.0) for statistical analysis. In this survey, 20, 3, and 1 type of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata were identified, respectively. All 20 C. albicans isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B (range 0.03-1 μg/ml), voriconazole, (0.03-1 μg/ml), and itraconazole (0.03-0.5 μg/ml.); moreover, one isolate was resistant to fluconazole. Two isolates out of three isolates of C. parapsilosis, were susceptible to all agents while the other one isolate was resistant to fluconazole. C. glabrata isolate was susceptible to all agents. In summary, the results conveyed the importance of clinicians remaining vigilant in diagnosing otomycosis due to its non-specific manifestations. To manage effectively otomycosis and avoid complications or recurrence, it is imperative to diagnose the condition at the earliest time, confirm its virulence through various tests, and identify antifungal susceptibility patterns. Despite this, relapse is often seen and achieving complete remission can prove to be a major hurdle in individuals who have had mastoidectomy and those with weakened immune systems.