PN-223 (JTK):

Two Aspergillus species from soil environment associated with otitis in the same patient in Taiwan

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external auditory channel and usually associated with infection by microorganisms which in most cases belong to bacteria. Otitis externa caused by fungi (otomycosis, excluding dermatophytosis of the ear here), however, occurs more commonly in tropical areas with high moisture. In most case reports, species identification did not include molecular markers and not conform to present mycological standards. In a case of bilateral otitis externa in a patient in Taiwan, the fungal nature of the disease remained undiagnosed for many years. Direct microscopic examination of the cerumen as well as isolation of strains indicated the presence of two Aspergillus species being different in each of both ears. The species were identified by DNA sequence comparisons and additional morphological confirmation of diagnostic characteristics as Aspergillus flavus and A. terreus. Both species belong to the most common Aspergillus species in soil environments. The occurrence of two Aspergillus species in otitis of the same patient is unusual and supports the observations that fungal agents of otitis might be more common under moist tropical conditions in contrast to temperate regions. Under the conditions of global warming, such cases may increase in number even in temperate regions.

keywords:mycosis,climate change,beta tubulin,internal transcribed spacer