Black aspergilli as causes of otomycosis in the era of molecular diagnostics, a mini-review

Otomycosis refers to the fungal infection of the external auditory canal, and less commonly the middle ear. A wide range of fungi can cause this disease, however, the most common etiologies are species of Aspergillus and Candida. Until recent years, Aspergillus niger was thought to be the prevailing species of the genus Aspergillus that causes otomycosis. Using molecular methods, now, it is known that Aspergillus section Nigri comprises several morphologically similar species and all black Aspergillus isolates are not necessarily equivalent to Aspergillus niger. In this review, we focus on the species within the Aspergillus section Nigri and their role as the causative agents of otomycosis. ?? 2021 SFMM. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Otomycosis is a fungal infection that primarily affects the external auditory canal. The main causes of this disease are Aspergillus species and Candida. Recent studies have shown that Aspergillus section Nigri comprises multiple morphologically similar species, and not all black Aspergillus isolates are Aspergillus niger.