Is there fungal infestation in paediatric chronic otitis media - Mucosal disease?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of fungal infestation in paediatric chronic otitis media (COM)-mucosal disease and to study the various factors that might influence the said infestation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done on the cited subject in a sample size of 66 paediatric patients [Age group: 1-18 years] suffering from active COM-mucosal disease. In all we had 75 ears from which swab samples were taken as some patients had bilateral disease. Clinical record was documented in each case. Three sample swabs were analysed for aerobic, anaerobic and fungal infection respectively from the discharging ear. Fungal infection was diagnosed by culture. The data was tabulated and statistically analysed for any correlation of fungal infestation with age, sex, background, duration of COM, previous antibiotic/steroid usage and intractable otorrhoea.

RESULTS

We recorded a prevalence of 32% for fungal colonization of COM-mucosal disease in paediatric population i.e., 24 out of 75 ears. There was no association observed between fungal infestation and specific paediatric age group, sex, background or duration of the disease. However, a distinct statistical correlation was present between fungal infestation and previous antibiotic/steroid usage and intractable otorrhoea.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study lead us to conclude that all cases of paediatric COM-mucosal disease should be analysed for fungal colonization, especially those with intractable otorrhoea and there should be judicious use of antibiotics and steroid ear drops in COM-mucosal disease.