Etiological significance of Candida albicans in otitis externa

A study covering 79 patients (42 males, 37 females) of different age groups clinically diagnosed as otomycosis were investigated mycologically to elucidate the role of Candia albicans, an opportunistic polymorphic yeast, in otitis externa. C. albicans was diagnosed as the sole pathogen in two patients ( 1 male and 1 female) aged 18 and 20 years, respectively. The organism was repeatedly demonstrated in the aural specimens both by direct microscopy as well as culture isolation. Both the patients had unilateral otomycosis and used antibiotic solution and removed wax with wooden stick. The topical application of one per cent clotrimazole lotion showed good response both clinically as well as mycologically. The growing significance of opportunistic fungi emphasizes on comprehensive studies to establish the etiologic role in various clinical disorders in human and animal medicine.