Fungal suppurative otitis media: Histopathology in central Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is the infection of the middle ear that lasts for >3 months and is accompanied by tympanic membrane perforation. The present study was conducted to assess cases of fungal suppurative otitis media with histopathology.
Materials & Methods: 46 samples of chronic suppurative otitis media of both genders were received in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections were studied for histopathology. Special stains i.e. periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) were evaluated. Results: Out of 46 patients, males were 30 and females were 16. Common symptoms were pain in 40, itching in 34, ear discharge in 27, blocking sensation in 12 and decrease hearing in 17 cases. The histopathology revealed Aspergillus in 26, Mucormycosis in 10, Aspergillus+Candida in 7 and Aspergillus+Mucor mycosis in 3 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Most commonly fungus found was aspergillus followed by mucormycosis. Mixed infection was also observed in few cases.