Fungi Associated within Human Otomycosis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate, Egypt.

2 Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Egypt

3 Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Minia University Hospital, MiniaUniversity, Egypt

Abstract

Some diseases are so tightly correlated to allergic reactions to specific fungi. Several fungi are the causative agents of otomycosis. The knowledge of fungal otitis in Egypt is still quite poor. The main aims of this study are to isolate and identify fungal species involved in ear infection, examine their abilities to produce proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes as well as their sensitivity to some antifungal therapeutic agents. A total of 80 clinical otitis samples were recruited from the Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Minia University Hospital, Minia University, Minia during the period from January 2017- December 2018.  The obtained results showed isolation of 152 fungal isolates related to 15 species representing 10 genera from the collected samples and were tested for their capabilities to synthesize protease and lipase enzymes. Aspergillus and Candida were the most prevalent identified species from different isolates. All the tested fungal isolates were very sensitive to Nystatine and Itraconazole and resistant to Muconazole. Moderate resistance to Turbinafine and Fluconazole was obtained by most of these fungi. However, Griseofulvin did not show any antifungal activity against the tested fungal strains. Aspergillus, Alternaria and Fusarium species showed the highest producer fungi for both enzymes.

Keywords