Prevalence and clinical findings of feline otitis externa in Midwest Brazil.

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of otitis externa (OE) in cats using cytology, direct otoscopic examination, and parasitological examination through swabs and curettage, and to compare the accuracy between collection methods for parasitological examination. Direct otoscopic evaluation of the external auditory canal (right and left), swabs for cytological examination of the external auditory canal, and collection of cerumen for parasitological examination through swabs and curettage of 137 cats from a veterinary hospital care were conducted between March 2021 and March 2022. The influences of age, sex, habitat, street access, and the presence of fleas on OE were evaluated. Cytological evidence of OE was observed in 25.5 % of cats and was statistically associated with flea and mite parasitism. Otodectes cynotis was found in 13.9 % of the cats. Cocci and Bacilli were the secondary factors in 34.3 % and 22.9 % of cats with OE, respectively. The Malassezia genus was a secundary factor in 57.1 % of the cats with OE. The frequency of OE was high in cats receiving hospital care. O. cynotis was a frequent primary cause of OE in cats. The curette sampling method is a great option for diagnosing O. cynotis infestation due to its ease of use.

Antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from the external auditive conduct from dogs, in central Chile.

Background: External otitis is common in dogs, and one of the main agents involved is Malassezia pachydermatis, a yeast belonging to the otic microbiota. Empirical treatment can fail; therefore, it is essential to know the antifungal susceptibility profile to prescribe appropriate treatment, a fact scarcely reported in Chile. Aim: This study aimed to determine the antifungal sensitivity of M. pachydermatis isolated from the external auditory canal of dogs in central Chile. Methods: Ear swabs from 30 dogs (15 healthy and 15 with external otitis) were used. Samples were subjected to cytology and fungal culture. The antifungal susceptibility was determined according to clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) document M44A-2 using the disk diffusion test from amphotericin B, Caspofungin, fluconazole, nystatin, clotrimazole, and voriconazole were used. Results: The prevalence of M. pachydermatis was 66.7% from 8 healthy dogs and 12 with otitis. While fungal culture was not associated with the patient's clinical condition (p = 0.24), the yeast count by cytology was significantly higher in dogs with otitis (p = 0.003). The strains were sensitive to all antifungals except for Caspofungin, where 55% of the strains were resistant. Conclusion: Malassezia pachydermatis is isolated more frequently in dogs with otitis, and the ear cytological examination is useful to differentiate colonized dogs versus dogs with otitis. In addition, most antifungals in vitro are active against this yeast, except Caspofungin, an antifungal used in human medicine. This situation should be further monitored in epidemiological programs to evaluate the possible impact on Chilean public health.

Antimicrobial resistance, integron carriage, and gyrA and gyrB mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from dogs with otitis externa and pyoderma in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with otitis and pyoderma in dogs and is frequently resistant to several antimicrobial drugs. Resistance genes can be carried by integrons with quinolone resistance mainly due to mutations in DNA topoisomerases II and IV. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility, integron carriage, and gyrA and gyrB mutations in P. aeruginosa isolates from canine otitis and pyoderma. ANIMALS: One hundred and four P. aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs with otitis externa (n = 93) and pyoderma (n = 11). METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility against 16 antibacterial agents was evaluated through agar diffusion tests. Integron carriage, class and gyrA and gyrB mutations were analysed by PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-PCR and genetic sequencing assays. RESULTS: Isolates were mostly resistant to enrofloxacin (72.2%) and ticarcillin (59.7%). Lower resistance to ciprofloxacin (7.7%), tobramycin (3.8%) and polymixin B (0.0%) was detected. Ten (9.6%) multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were detected. Eight (7.7%) strains carried class 1 integrons and this was associated with MDR (three isolates, P ≤ 0.05). Five of the integron-carrying strains exhibited aminoglycoside resistance genes. Mutations of gyrA and gyrB were observed in 10 isolates, seven of them resistant to all fluoroquinolones tested. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Enrofloxacin and ticarcilin resistance was widespread in P. aeruginosa isolated from dogs in Brazil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying integrons may present a significant challenge for treatment.

Comportamiento de la otitis externa en pacientes diabéticos / Behavior of otitis externa in diabetic patients

La otitis, con sus diferentes formas de presentación, constituye una de las enfermedades más frecuentes a las que tiene que enfrentarse el médico general a diario. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de la otitis externa del paciente diabético. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo en los pacientes diabéticos mayores de dieciocho años que acudieron a la consulta de otorrinolaringología del Hospital Integral Comunitario Chacaltaya. La Paz, Bolivia. Desde de enero hasta diciembre de 2007. El universo estuvo constituido por ciento cuarenta y siete pacientes con el diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus y la muestra la constituyeron ochenta y dos pacientes. Resultados: predominó el grupo de edades entre treinta y ocho y cuarenta y siete años con cuarenta y uno pacientes que representa el 50 por ciento de la muestra estudiada, predominando en este grupo el sexo masculino con veinte y uno pacientes (42,86 por ciento). El 95,12 por ciento presentó diabetes mellitus tipo II, predominando el sexo masculino en el 59,75 por ciento. Los factores predisponentes que mayormente predominaron fueron la falta de higiene personal en el 89,02 por ciento y del autorrascado o limpieza con objetos contaminados para un 39,02 por ciento. El dolor y el prurito se presentaron en más del 70 por ciento de los pacientes estudiados (AU)

Otitis, with its different presentation forms, constitutes one of the most frequent pathologies has to face the general doctor daily. Objective: to describe the behavior of otitis externa in the diabetic patient. Method: an observational descriptive and prospective study in diabetic patients older than eighteen years was conducted who assisted to the otorhinolaryngology consultation of the Community Integral Hospital of Chacaltaya La Paz, Bolivia from January to December 2007. The universe was constituted by one-hundred forty-seven patients with diabetes mellitus as diagnosis and the sample was made up of eighty-two patients. Results: the age groups between thirty-eight and forty-seven years prevailed with forty-one patients that represents 50 percent of the studied sample, predominating in this group the masculine sex with twenty-one patients (42,86 percent ). The 95,12 percent presented type II diabetes mellitus, prevailing the masculine sex with the 59,75 percent . Predisposing factors that mostly predominated were the lack of personal hygiene in 89,02 percent and the autoscratched or cleaning with contaminated objects in 39,02 percent . Pain and pruritus were presented in more than 70 percent of the studied patients (AU)

Otite externa maligna / Malignant external otitis

A otite externa maligna é uma forma rara de infecção necrotizante do meato auditivo externo, cujo diagnostico e tratamento continua sendo um desafio. Neste artigo serão detalhadas as características clínicas e os métodos diagnósticos e terapêuticos atualmente disponíveis para esta doença.

Otomycosis: a retrospective study.

UNLABELLED: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear canal with only a few studies about its real frequency in Brazil. AIM: to evaluate otomycosis frequency and characteristics in patients with clinical suspicion of external otitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study with transversal cohort (2000-2006). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 103 patients were assigned to mycological diagnosis (direct microscopic examination and culture). RESULTS: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 19.4% of the patients. Patient age varied from 2 to 66 years (an average of 23.5 years of age), and 60% of otomycosis cases were seen in women between 2 to 20 years of age. Chronic otitis, previous antibiotic therapy and the lack of cerumen were predisposing factors; itching, otalgia, otorrhea and hypoacusis were the symptoms reported by the patients. The most frequently isolated species were C. albicans (30%), C. parapsilosis (20%), A. niger (20%), A. flavus (10%), A. fumigatus (5%), C. tropicalis (5%), Trichosporon asahii (5%) and Scedosporium apiospermum (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Otomycosis is endemic in João Pessoa-PB. Clinical exam and mycological studies are important for diagnostic purposes because otomycosis symptoms are not specific.

Otomycosis: a retrospective study / Otomicoses: um estudo retrospectivo

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear canal with only a few studies about its real frequence in Brazil. AIM: to evaluate otomycosis frequence and characteristics in patients with clinical suspicion of external otitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study with transversal cohort (2000-2006). MATERIALS AND METHODS:103 patients were assigned to mycological diagnosis (direct microscopic examination and culture). RESULTS: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 19.4 percent of the patients. Patient age varied from 2 to 66 years (an average of 23.5 years of age), and 60 percent of otomycosis cases were seen in women between 2 to 20 years of age. Chronic otitis, previous antibiotic therapy and the lack of cerumen were predisposing factors; itching, otalgia, otorrhea and hypoacusis were the symptoms reported by the patients. The most frequently isolated species were C. albicans (30 percent), C. parapsilosis (20 percent), A. niger (20 percent), A. flavus (10 percent), A. fumigatus (5 percent), C. tropicalis (5 percent), Trichosporon asahii (5 percent) and Scedosporium apiospermum (5 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Otomycosis is endemic in João Pessoa-PB. Clinical exam and mycological studies are important for diagnostic purposes because otomycosis symptoms are not specific.

Otomicose é uma infecção fúngica do conduto auditivo externo com poucos estudos sobre sua real frequência no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência e características das otomicoses em pacientes com suspeita clínica de otite externa. DESENHO DO ESTUDO: Estudo retrospectivo com corte transversal (2000-2006). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: 103 pacientes foram atendidos para diagnóstico micológico (exame microscópico direto e cultivo). RESULTADOS: Otomicoses foram diagnosticadas em 19,4 por cento dos pacientes. A idade desses pacientes variou de 2 a 66 anos (média de 23,5 anos) e 60 por cento das otomicoses foram observadas em mulheres entre 2 a 20 anos de idade. Otite crônica, antibioticoterapia prévia e ausência de cerume foram os fatores predisponentes e prurido otológico, otalgia, otorreia e hipoacusia os sintomas relatados pelos pacientes. As espécies mais frequentemente isoladas foram C. albicans (30 por cento), C. parapsilosis (20 por cento), A. niger (20 por cento), A. flavus (10 por cento), A. fumigatus (5 por cento), C. tropicalis (5 por cento), Trichosporon asahii (5 por cento) e Scedosporium apiospermum (5 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: Otomicose é endêmica em João Pessoa - PB. O acompanhamento clínico e o diagnóstico micológico são importantes uma vez que a sintomatologia de otomicose não é específica.

Otitis externa maligna: incidencia y evolución en la provincia de Matanzas 2005-2007 / Malignant external otitis: incidence and evolution in the province of Matanzas 2005-2007

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, descriptivo-prospectivo en 12 pacientes afectados de Otitis Maligna del Diabético, atendidos en nuestro centro durante el período comprendido Enero 2005- Enero 2007 para definir características clínicas y evolución de los mismos. Se precisaron variables como edad, sexo, tipo de tratamiento hipoglicemiante, tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, valores promedio de las Glicemias, síntomas y signos, gérmenes aislados, complicaciones y antibioticoterapia utilizada. El principal germen causal fue la Pseudomona; la afección se observó en pacientes con DM tipo II, mayores de 40 años; la otorrea, el granuloma del CAE y la otalgia constituyen las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes. Con los procedimientos terapéuticos empleados se obtuvieron buenos resultados en el 95 por ciento de los pacientes; no hubo ningún fallecido(AU)

OTITIS EXTERNA MALIGNA: INCIDENCIA Y EVOLUCIÓN EN LA PROVINCIA DE MATANZAS 2005-2007

Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, debivo - prospectivo en 12 pacientes afectados de Otitis Maligna del Diabético, atendidos en nuestro centro durante el período comprendido Enero 2005- Enero 2007 para definir características clínicas y evolución de los mismos. Se precisaron variables como edad, sexo, tipo de tratamiento hipoglicemiante, tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, valores promedio de las Glicemias, síntomas y signos, gérmenes aislados, complicaciones y antibioticoterapia utilizada. El principal germen causal fue la Pseudomona; la afección se observó en pacientes con DM tipo II, mayores de 40 años; la otorrea, el granuloma del CAE y la otalgia constituyen las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes. Con los procedimientos terapéuticos empleados se obtuvieron buenos resultados en el 95 por ciento de los pacientes; no hubo ningún fallecido(AU)

Perfil de isolamento microbiano em cães com otite média e externa associadas / Profile of microorganisms isolated from dogs with associated media and extern otitis

Comparou-se o perfil de isolamento microbiano de amostras coletadas de cães com otite média (OM) e externa (OE) associadas. Sessenta e quatro cães com otite média e externa foram avaliados durante 10 meses. Amostras dos condutos auditivos externos foram coletadas com auxílio de swabs estéreis e aquelas do ouvido médio pela técnica cirúrgica da osteotomia da bula timpânica. Os microrganismos foram cultivados e identificados de acordo com os métodos previamente descritos, e a susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar estabelecido pelo National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Bactérias anaeróbias estritas não foram isoladas em qualquer amostra. Todas as amostras de OE mostraram crescimento bacteriano e/ou fúngico. Na OM, a positividade nas culturas foi de 48%. Os microrganismos mais isolados na OE foram: Bacillus sp. (26,9%), M. pachydermatis (22,2%) e S. intermedius (21,7%); na OM foram: S. intermedius (32,5%), S. aureus subsp. aureus (22,5%) e bacilos Gram-negativos não fermentadores (10,0%). Observou-se alguma diferença no perfil de isolamento entre os quadros de OM e OE em 96,7% dos animais. Verificou-se elevada resistência de cepas de S. intermedius à penicilina G, ampicilina, eritromicina, tetraciclina e clindamicina.(AU)

The isolation pattern of samples collected from dogs with both media (OM) and extern otitis (OE) was compared. Sixty-four dogs suffering from those conditions were studied over a 10-month period. Samples from the external ear were collected with sterile swabs while those from the middle ear were collected by osteotomy of the tympanic bulla. The microorganisms were cultured and identified according to methods previously described and to the susceptibility of antimicrobials according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards agar diffusion test. Anaerobic bacteria were not isolated in any sample. All samples from OE showed bacterial and/or fungal growth. Concerning media otitis, this percentage was 48%. The most common microorganisms isolated from OE were Bacillus sp. (26.9%), M. pachydermatis (22.2%) and S. intermedius (21.7%) and those from OM were S. intermedius (32.5%), S. aureus subsp. aureus (22.5%) and non-fermentative Gram-negative rods (10.0%). Some difference was observed in the isolation pattern between media and extern otitis in 96.7% of the animals. High resistance rates of S. intermedius strains to penicillin G, ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin were found.(AU)

Perfil de isolamento microbiano em cães com otite média e externa associadas / Profile of microorganisms isolated from dogs with associated media and extern otitis

Comparou-se o perfil de isolamento microbiano de amostras coletadas de cães com otite média (OM) e externa (OE) associadas. Sessenta e quatro cães com otite média e externa foram avaliados durante 10 meses. Amostras dos condutos auditivos externos foram coletadas com auxílio de swabs estéreis e aquelas do ouvido médio pela técnica cirúrgica da osteotomia da bula timpânica. Os microrganismos foram cultivados e identificados de acordo com os métodos previamente descritos, e a susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar estabelecido pelo National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Bactérias anaeróbias estritas não foram isoladas em qualquer amostra. Todas as amostras de OE mostraram crescimento bacteriano e/ou fúngico. Na OM, a positividade nas culturas foi de 48 por cento. Os microrganismos mais isolados na OE foram: Bacillus sp. (26,9 por cento), M. pachydermatis (22,2 por cento) e S. intermedius (21,7 por cento); na OM foram: S. intermedius (32,5 por cento), S. aureus subsp. aureus (22,5 por cento) e bacilos Gram-negativos não fermentadores (10,0 por cento). Observou-se alguma diferença no perfil de isolamento entre os quadros de OM e OE em 96,7 por cento dos animais. Verificou-se elevada resistência de cepas de S. intermedius à penicilina G, ampicilina, eritromicina, tetraciclina e clindamicina.

The isolation pattern of samples collected from dogs with both media (OM) and extern otitis (OE) was compared. Sixty-four dogs suffering from those conditions were studied over a 10-month period. Samples from the external ear were collected with sterile swabs while those from the middle ear were collected by osteotomy of the tympanic bulla. The microorganisms were cultured and identified according to methods previously described and to the susceptibility of antimicrobials according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards agar diffusion test. Anaerobic bacteria were not isolated in any sample. All samples from OE showed bacterial and/or fungal growth. Concerning media otitis, this percentage was 48 percent. The most common microorganisms isolated from OE were Bacillus sp. (26.9 percent), M. pachydermatis (22.2 percent) and S. intermedius (21.7 percent) and those from OM were S. intermedius (32.5 percent), S. aureus subsp. aureus (22.5 percent) and non-fermentative Gram-negative rods (10.0 percent). Some difference was observed in the isolation pattern between media and extern otitis in 96.7 percent of the animals. High resistance rates of S. intermedius strains to penicillin G, ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin were found.

Factors associated with the prevalence of Malassezia species in the external ears of cattle from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Swabs collected from the external ears of 942 cattle, including both European and zebu breeds, were used to evaluate the epidemiology of Malassezia species. High numbers of Malassezia isolates were significantly associated with maturity of the animals and with diagnosed otitis. In healthy animals, a particularly low prevalence of the genus was found in Holstein cows, especially in the summer months, a finding perhaps correlating with the open, air-exposed ears of this breed. Pendutlous-eared zebu breeds and hybrids had higher levels of colonization, although this effect was more pronounced in humid regions, and was least in the dry north and west of the state. The most common species seen was M. sympodialis, which accounted for 47.1% of isolates from healthy cattle and 39.1% from cattle with otitis. In cattle with otitis sampled in summer, we found that the relatively thermotolerant M. sympodialis made up 80.8% of isolates. By contrast, during the winter the less thermotolerant M. globosa was the most common species from otitis, making up 56% of the isolates. Humidity and temperature may be the main factors explaining the epidemiology of Malassezia diseases and colonizations in both animals and humans.

Prevalence of yeasts and mycelial fungi in bovine parasitic otitis in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Infestations by rhabditiform nematodes and acarids of the genus Raillietia are considered the primary causes of external otitis in cattle in tropical regions. Recently, yeasts of the genus Malassezia have been associated with a relatively high percentage of otitis cases, but the occurrence of other yeasts and mycelial fungi has not yet been reported in the literature. This work studied the presence of fungi in the ear canal of 45 cattle with external parasitic otitis. The results were positive for yeasts of the genus Malassezia in 31 (68.9%) of the 45 cultures in Mycosel medium supplemented with olive oil. The 45 cultures in Sabouraud dextrose medium revealed the growth of seven (15.5%) yeasts of the genus Candida, five (11.1%) Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, two (4.4%) fungi of the genus Aspergillus and eight 'Micelia sterilia'. Future studies may confirm and elucidate the importance of these agents in the aetiology of bovine otitis.

Epidemiological aspects of bovine parasitic otitis caused by Rhabditis spp. and/or Raillietia spp. in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The occurrence of bovine external otitis in tropical regions is predominantly assigned to parasitic infections by rhabditiform nematodes and infestations by mites of the genus Raillietia. This research had the purpose of investigating the prevalence of parasitic otitis in the dry and rainy seasons of Minas Gerais and correlating it with variables age, breed and the presence of horns. The secretion or cerumen of 981 cattle was collected with sterile swabs, placed in test tubes and exposed to sunlight for the identification of clinical infections caused by rhabditiform nematodes. The ear canals of 109 animals were flushed to study the occurrence of mites of the genus Raillietia. Clinical otitis caused by rhabditiform nematodes was observed only in animals of the Gyr breed, affecting 169 (60.1%) of the total (278) of these cattle. The prevalence of otitis in this breed was significantly higher for mature adult cows (P<0.001) and in cows with horns (P<0.001). In a total of nine animals suspected of raillietiosis, the examinations revealed the presence of Raillietia spp. in two Dutch cows. These results demonstrate that treatment must be focused on adult Gyr cattle with horns. This and future studies with an emphasis on epidemiological aspects may contribute to development of alternative approaches to reduce disease.

Prevalence of Malassezia spp. in the ears of asymptomatic cattle and cattle with otitis in Brazil.

Yeasts of the genus Malassezia are lipophilic microorganisms that are saprophytes that can act as opportunistic pathogens in animals. Malassezia pachydermatis is commonly isolated from the ear canal and skin of healthy dogs, or in association with seborrheic dermatitis and otitis externa conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence of Malassezia spp. in the ears of healthy bovines and bovines with otitis. Specimens (secretion or cerumen) were collected with sterile swabs, inoculated onto Mycosel medium, supplemented with olive oil, and incubated at 35 degrees C for 1 week. Yeasts were identified according to morphological characteristics, growth in Dixon medium at 32 degrees C and Sabouraud glucose medium modified by the addition of Tween 20, 40 or 80. The results showed that 54.7% of the cultures were positive in bovines with otitis (75) and 34.6% were positive in healthy bovines (378). Analysis of the positive cultures (41) from animals with otitis allowed presumptive identification of 24 strains corresponding to M. globosa (12), M. slooffiae (5), M. furfur (5) and M. sympodialis (2). Further studies on a larger number of animals may confirm the trend verified thus far, i.e. a higher frequency of isolation of Malassezia spp. from animals with otitis than from healthy animals (P<0.01) and a predominance of the species M. globosa.

Otitis externa necrotizante (maligna) en el lactante (presentación de 2 casos) / Necrotizing external otitis (malignant) in the suckling baby (presentation of 2 cases)

Se presentan 2 casos de otittis externa necrotizante en lactantes, siendo esta patología descrita con mayor frecuencia en pacientes diabéticos de má de 50 años, infrecuente en el niño, es una infección grave que puede llevar a la muerte del paciente. Nuestro caso presentaban III grado de desnutrición; kwashiorkor (I) con patología bronconeumónica y enfermedad diarreica crónica. Recibieron antiobioticoterapia antiPseudomona, curaciones diarias, alimentación Hiperproteica por S.N.G., evolucionando favorablemente, dejando como secuela parálisis facial, enrollamiento del pabellón auricular semejando una disgenesia de pabellón auricular semejando una disgenesia de pabellón tipo II y estenosis del conducto auditivo externo a los 9 meses de control (I caso.

2 cases of external necrotizante otitis in litle children are presented. Nevertheless, these symptoms are more commom among diabetic people who are over 50 years old, and are for children. The external necro otitis is a severe infection that can cause the death of the infected person. Our cases presented: grade III of malnutrition; kwashiorkor (I) with bronconeumónica pathology and chronic diarrheal disease. antiPseudomona, daily treatments, Hiperproteica feeding received antiobioticoterapia by S.N.G., evolving favorably, leaving like sequel face paralysis, winding of the auricular pavilion resembling one disgenesia of auricular pavilion resembling one disgenesia of pavilion type II and estenosis of the external auditory conduit to the 9 months of control (I case).

Otomycosis in Sao Paulo

Em vista da escassez de publicacoes sobre otomicoses no Brasil, foi projetada uma pesquisa para conhecer a incidencia, caracteristicas clinicas, fatores predisponentes e agentes etiologicos da micose. Durante um ano, 22 casos suspeitos foram estudados, 20 dos quais corresponderam a otomicoses. As especies mais frequentemente isoladas foram Aspergillus niger (35 por cento) e Candida albicans (20 por cento). O genero Aspergillus representou 75 por cento dos isolamentos. Os sinais clinicos mais comuns foram prurido e hiperemia (70 por cento), otalgia (65 por cento), hipoacusia (50 por cento). Falta de cerumen (70 por cento), otite cronica (30 por cento), antibioticoterapia previa e eczema (25 por cento) foram os fatores predisponentes mais relevantes.

Otomycosis in São Paulo.

In view of the lack of researches on otomycosis in Brazil, we have tried to study their incidence, their clinical characteristics and the predispondent factors. During one year, 22 suspected cases were seen, 20 of them corresponded to otomycosis infections. The most frequent species were Aspergillus niger (35%) and Candida albicans (20%). The genus Aspergillus represented 75% of the isolates. Itching and hyperaemia (70%), otalgia (65%), hipoacusia (50%) were the commonest signs. Lack of cerumen (70%) chronic otitis (30%) previous antibiotic therapy and eczema (25%) were the most outstanding predispondent factors.