Otomycosis: Epidemio-Clinical and Therapeutic Profile at the Fousseyni DAOU Hospital in Kayes, Mali

Introduction: Otomycosis is a relatively common pathology of the external ear canal, its prevalence is estimated to be 5 to 10% of all otitis externa [1,2, 3]. There are no data on otomycosis at the Kayes Hospital, hence the interest of this study. Methodology: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection that spanned the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023. All patients with clinically suspected otomycosis on otoscopy, otoendoscopy and/or confirmed on mycological examination and with usable medical records were included. Results: We recorded 1156 cases of otitis externa, including 384 cases of otomycosis, i.e. a frequency of 33.2%. Females were the most represented at 51.6% (n=198) with a sex ratio of 0.93. The mean age was 37 years with extremes of 7 and 77 years. The reasons for consultation were: otalgia 44.8% (n=172), pruritus 35.2% (n=135), otorrhea 20% (n=77). The main contributing factors were cleaning the ear with cotton swab, 57.8% (n=221), wearing a turban 26.3% (n=101), and using antibiotic and corticosteroid drops 9.6% (n=37). The otologic examination revealed whitish or blackish deposits, purulent otorrhea and inflammation of the external auditory canal. Mycological examination found yeasts 42.3% (n=122) and molds 57.2% (n=163). Treatment was based on topical antifungals and antibiotics in 69% (n=265) and the combination of antifungal and antihistamine in 31% (n=119). Conclusion: Otomycoses are benign, chronic infectious pathologies. Their occurrence is multifactorial. Cleaning with the cotton swab and wearing the turban were the main causes.