Mycology of chronic suppurative otitis media-cholesteatoma disease: An evaluative study.

AIMS &

OBJECTIVES

To detect the prevalence of fungus in chronic suppurative otitis media-cholesteatoma disease and to evaluate its clinical significance.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective observational study conducted in a sample size of 46 patients at a tertiary care university teaching hospital.

MATERIALS &

METHODS

Forty six patients suffering from chronic suppurative otitis media-cholesteatoma disease were recruited in this prospective study. Data was duly recorded. Cholesteatoma sample was procured at the time of mastoid surgery and microbiologically analysed for fungal infestation. Clinical correlation to fungus infestation of cholesteatoma was statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Out of the recruited 46 patients, post-operatively cholesteatoma was seen in 40 cases only. Seventeen i.e. 42.5% of these cases had fungal colonization of cholesteatoma. Further a statistically significant correlation between persistent otorrhoea and fungal infestation of cholesteatoma was observed. Three cases of fungal otomastoiditis were also recorded in this study, but a statistically significant correlation between complications and fungus infestation of cholesteatoma could not be clearly established.

CONCLUSIONS

There is fungal colonization of cholesteatoma which is pathogenic and can cause persistent otorrhoea.