Chronic bilateral otomycosis caused by Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus niger, an opportunistic filamentous fungus, was identified as the cause of chronic bilateral otomycosis in a 46-year-old female patient who was unresponsive to different drugs. The patient showed signs of erythema, otalgia, itching, otorrhoea and presence of greyish black coloured mass in both the ear canals. The direct microscopical examination of the ear debris in potassium hydroxide preparations, Giemsa, phase contrast and Gram revealed many thin, branched septate hyphae, condia and conidiophores morphologically indistinguishable from Aspergillus spp. The histopathological section of the ear wax mass by haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff techniques also showed similar fungal elements. The patient responded to 1% solution of mercurochrome. The use of mercurochrome in developing countries like India may be recommended to treat the fungal otitis in patients. We also emphasize that 'Narayan' stain should be routinely employed by microbiology and public health laboratories to study the morphology of pathogenic fungi.     

Colonization of a Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Bovine Horn Core by Aspergillus terreus Befall eines Schuppenzellkarzinoms im Rinderhornmark durch Aspergillus teveus

Aspergillus terreus, an opportunistic pathogen, was found to be associated with cancerous tissue of the horn core in a weak and old debilitated cow. The organism was isolated in pure and luxurient growth from a surgically operated specimen of the horn core, and was also demonstrated in the fresh mounts and PAS stained sections of the infected tissues. The isolate showed resistance to nystatin (100 micrograms) when tested by paper disk diffusion technique. This appears to be the first report on the occurrence of A. terreus in bovine squamous cell carcinoma of the horn core.     

A study of surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma and its outcome

Objective

Aim of this study is evaluation of course of improvement of surgically treated cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with cholesteatoma; it includes hearing status, condition of mastoid cavity, study of different, natural and surgical condition and recurrence of disease within the study period.

Design

It is a prospective study.

Settings

This study was conducted in a premiere government hospital in Kolkata between May 2007 to April 2008.

Patients

Total 40 patients between age group of 6–70 years were included in the present study which includes 19 males and 21 females.

Intervention

Surgical interventions were done in all the cases. Different types of mastoidectomy with or without tympanoplasty was done according to extent of disease process.

Outcome

Audiometrically documentable hearing improvement occurred in 35% cases (p = 14), in rest of the ears hearing status remained unaltered. At the end of 6 months follow up 92.5% (p = 14) in rest (p = 37) operated ears become completely dry. Five percent cases (p = 2) presented with facial paralysis; among them one patient improved completely and another patient improved from grade V to grade III facial paralysis. No patient developed any post operative intracranial complications and recurrence of cholesteatema not found in 6 months follow up. Meatal stenosis developed in 5% cases (p = 2) at the end of 6 months.

Conclusion

Surgery is mainstay of treatment in CSOM with cholesteatoma. Eradication of disease, prevention of complication, maintenance and restoration of hearing, and giving the patient a non-discharging ear are main aim of treatment.     

Aspergillus terreus complex: an emergent opportunistic agent of Onychomycosis

The incidence of onychomycosis due to non‐dermatophyte moulds (NDM) is increasing. Aspergillus terreus is relatively undocumented as an agent of this fungal infection. The aim of this work is to show the prevalence of onychomycosis caused by A. terreus and to describe its clinical features. Nail samples were collected for microscopic examination and culturing in selective media. All cases of onychomycosis due to NDM were confirmed by a second sample. Aspergillus terreus isolates were identified through their morphological characteristics and using molecular methods. A total of 2485 samples were obtained. Positive cultures were obtained in 1639 samples. From 124 NDM confirmed cultures, 23 were identified as A. terreus (18.5%). Superficial white onychomycosis was the most frequent clinical pattern. A high percentage was found in fingernails. The prevalence of A. terreus in this study considerably exceeded the percentages reported by other authors. Onychomycosis due to A. terreus presents similar clinical patterns to those caused by dermatophytes, but is difficult to eradicate and is associated with less predictable treatment outcomes. Better knowledge of the aetiology of A. terreus may be important for accomplishing more accurate and effective treatment.     

Case report. Hepatic abscesses due to Aspergillus terreus in an immunodeficient child

We report the first case of hepatitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a 13-year-old boy with common variable immunodeficiency that occurred while the patient was receiving secondary prophylaxis with fluconazole after an episode of pulmonary candidosis. The infection subsided after the addition of itraconazole to the combination of liposomal amphotericin B and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor that he was receiving.     

Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal space abscess: an unusual complication of chronic suppurative otitis media

Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess as a complication of cholesteatoma is an uncommon entity. We present the unusual case of a 32-year-old man with chronic suppurative otitis media, presenting with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess. This was treated with incision and drainage of the abscess followed by modified radical mastoidectomy for chronic suppurative otitis media.     

Comparison of bacteriology in bilaterally discharging ears in chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a disease with worldwide prevalence having potentially serious long term effects. It is a disease well known for its recurrence and persistence despite treatment. A study on culture and sensitivity of aural discharge collected from 40 cases of bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media was done to compare the bacteriological profile of either ear. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the major organism isolated in both ears and was sensitive to Amikacin and newer drugs like Gatifloxacin. It was concluded that the infecting organisms in case of bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media are remarkably similar. If adequate treatment is instituted early, it can go a long way in reducing the prevalence of this socially embarrassing disease.     

Inflation-deflation test as a predictor of aditus patency in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

Aims

To assess eustachian tubal function (ETF) preoperatively in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with central perforation by performing the inflation-deflation test. To correlate the results of the inflation-deflation test with the finding of aditus patency or block in patients with CSOM

Study design

Prospective, cohort

Setting

Tertiary care hospital

Subjects

Eighty adult patients with chronic suppurative otitis media and central perforation were recruited into the study. There were 45 males and 35 females.

Methods

All patients underwent preoperative inflation-deflation test followed by cortical mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty. The patency of the aditus was assessed intraoperatively.

Main outcome measure

Equalization of pressure on inflation-deflation test and intraoperative assessment of aditus patency

Results

Of a total of 80 patients, 49 patients were found to have discharging ears and 31 had dry ears at the time of surgery. In dry ears the inflation-deflation test had a sensitivity of 93% in predicting aditus patency although the specificity was lower at 67%. In discharging ears the sensitivity in predicting aditus patency was 72% and the specificity was 67%.

Conclusion

The eustachian tube inflation-deflation test is a sensitive test for predicting aditus patency in patients with dry ears but less so in patients with discharging ears. Hence, it could be used in the former to avoid unnecessary exploration of the mastoid.     

In vitro antifungal activity of amphotericin B and 11 comparators against Aspergillus terreus species complex

Aspergillus terreus infections are difficult to treat because of the intrinsic resistance to amphotericin B, and higher mortality compared to infections caused by other Aspergillus species. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of amphotericin B and 11 comparators against clinical (n = 36) and environmental (n = 45) A. terreus isolates. In vitro antifungal susceptibility was performed using the CLSI M38‐A2 procedure. Amphotericin B exhibited the highest MICs (MIC range, 0.125‐4 μg/mL; MIC₉₀, 2 μg/mL), followed by terbinafine (MIC range, 0.002‐1 μg/mL; MIC₉₀, 1 μg/mL). Only one isolate (1/81) showed amphotericin B MIC above the epidemiologic cut‐off value (ECV; 4 μg/mL). None of the isolates had a MIC of ≥ ECV for voriconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole. The reasons for the difference in amphotericin B susceptibility patterns between studies remain unknown. The genetic and species diversity, clinical, environmental and ecological factors in Terrei section on various amphotericin B susceptibility profiles in different countries should be considered more as the main reasons associated with these differences.     

Disseminated aspergillosis due to Aspergillus flavus in an experimental model: efficacy of azole therapy

The aim of this investigation was to create a reproducible experimental model of disseminated Aspergillus flavus aspergillosis, and to compare the relative therapeutic efficacies of itraconazole and fluconazole in this model. Temporarily immunosuppressed male Wistar rats received intravenous challenge by A. flavus conidia. Treatment was initiated 24 h later with oral itraconazole (1 mg kg-1 BW day-1), oral fluconazole (1 mg kg-1 BW day-1) or excipient only (infected-untreated rats); this was continued for 10 days. At this time, although 100% mortality had occurred among all infected-untreated rats, no mortality was noted among the control-uninfected, infected-itraconazole-treated or infected-fluconazole-treated rats. After killing, essential organs were processed for microbiological and histopathological studies. Aspergillus flavus was recovered in high colony counts from the organs of infected-untreated rats (lungs > liver > brain > kidneys), but in significantly lower colony counts, or not at all, from the organs of itraconazole-treated and fluconazole-treated rats. Histopathological alterations were pronounced in tissues of infected-untreated rats, but less so in treated rats. These data suggest that administration of itraconazole or fluconazole sufficiently early may prevent, or retard, progression of lesions in disseminated aspergillosis.     

The investigation of bacteriology of chronic suppurative otitis media in patients attending a tertiary care hospital with special emphasis on seasonal variation

Background

Chronic suppurative otitis media takes a lot of time in the hospital outdoors and a considerable amount of O.T. timings. Chronic suppurative otitis media may be either active chronic otitis media or a sequel of previous otitis media.

Objective

(a) To understand the bacteriology of Chronic suppurative otitis media (b) Their susceptibility patterns to commonly used antibiotics in this age of emerging resistance (c) the seasonal variation in the bacteriological pattern (d) For better empirical treatment of C.S.O.M where culture facilities are not available so that both intracranial and extra cranial complications can be avoided.

Materials and Methods

The secretions of 160 samples belonging to various age groups and of both sexes of clinically proven chronic suppurative otitis media with definitive exclusion and inclusion criteria were collected and cultured by aerobic and anaerobic methods. Drug sensitivity was done according to standard laboratory protocols. A month wise visit of the patients has been recorded to note any seasonal variations in the isolates.

Results

The most common aerobic organism is Pseudomonas Spp and most common anaerobes isolated being Bacteriodes species. Their susceptibility patterns and seasonal variations have been discussed.

Conclusions

It is observed that chronic suppurative otitis media affects mainly younger group of population, mostly (86.8%) below 40 years of age. Majority of them (31.9%) belonged to, 10–19 years of age. The most common isolate being Pseudomonas Spp. (64.4%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (33.8%). In the anaerobic group (1.8%) the Bacteriodes species is most prevalent. The most effective antibiotic in the aerobic isolates is Amikacin followed by Gentamicin and Cefotaxime where as for anaerobic isolates Cefoperazone sodium has better sensitivity. The isolation rates of both aerobic and anaerobic groups of organisms are more in the month of July to September, which is the monsoon season in this place. Isolation of Pseudomonas Spp. in Monsoon and post monsoon season may have been due to filling up of water bodies with rain water and infection with an omnipresent saprophytic organism like Pseudomonas Spp.     

Pneumocephalus presenting as a complication of chronic otitis media — a case report

Pneumocephalus secondary to chronic otitis media is an extremely rare phenomenon. Despite its rarity, the sequelae of intracranial air associated with otitis media may be grave if misdiagnosed. In this report a case of pneumocephalus following chronic mastoid infection is presented and the possible mechanism, diagnostic measures and the management is discussed.     

细胞间黏附分子1与早期放射性中耳炎的实验研究

目的 探讨细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)在放射性中耳炎中的作用。方法 采用^60Co γ射线3Gy／次，5次／周，以15、30、45Gy不同总剂量照射豚鼠右耳，造成放射性中耳炎的动物模型，以SP免疫组织化学法行中耳黏膜中细胞黏附分子检测，同时观察放射剂量和白细胞浸润的关系。结果 正常豚鼠中耳黏膜ICAM-1未见表达，射线照射后ICAM-1可表达在中耳黏膜上皮和血管内皮细胞，并且随着放射剂量的增加而增强；ICAM-1的表达与白细胞的浸润呈正相关。结论 细胞间黏附分子参与放射线导致的中耳黏膜炎症反应，这可能对解释放射性中耳炎的机制有一定作用。     

鼓膜部分切除术治疗鼻咽癌放疗后分泌性中耳炎的临床价值

背景与目的:对于放疗后咽鼓管功能已经严重受损的分泌性中耳炎,目前的治疗方法疗效有限。鼓膜穿孔可以避免分泌性中耳炎的复发,本研究旨在探讨鼓膜部分切除术治疗鼻咽癌放疗后分泌性中耳炎的临床价值。方法:经过综合的耳功能检测,确认鼻咽癌放疗后分泌性中耳炎患耳的咽鼓管功能已经严重受损后,对16例(18耳)符合条件的患者施行鼓膜部分切除术,对术后患者的听力及其它症状进行超过6个月的随访观察。结果:鼓膜部分切除术后61%(11/18)残留鼓膜穿孔,患者听力普遍提高,平均气骨导差由术前的30.1dB减至16.0dB,耳闷、耳鸣和头痛等症状基本消失。鼓膜部分切除术后鼓膜再愈合7耳(39%),术前和术后平均气骨导差分别是33.0dB和32.1dB。结论:鼓膜部分切除术治疗分泌性中耳炎疗效确切而持久,对鼓膜再愈合耳的听功能无损害。     

鼻咽癌放疗后分泌性中耳炎的临床观察和防治探讨

目的：探讨鼻咽癌患者放疗后分泌性中耳炎发生的原因和防治对策。方法：观察176例鼻咽癌患者放疗前后分泌性中耳炎的发生情况,对中耳积液耳聋者行鼓室穿刺抽液处理。采用χ^2检验比较患者年龄、性别、鼻咽原发病灶大小、部位以及放疗前后有否分泌性中耳炎等因素与放疗后产生分泌性中耳炎的关系。结果：鼻咽癌患者放疗后分泌性中耳炎的发生率为48.9%,而放疗后6个月内的发生率为51.2%。患者年龄（P=0.367）、性别（P=0.126）及鼻咽原发灶大小（P=0.147）等因素对放疗后分泌性中耳炎的发生无显著影响,而放疗前有分泌性中耳炎和鼻咽肿瘤侵及侧壁与放疗后分泌性中耳炎的长期存在显著相关,P值均为0.000。结论：放疗前有分泌性中耳炎、鼻咽肿瘤侵犯侧壁是鼻咽癌放疗后分泌性中耳炎长期存在的危险因素。对放疗后分泌性中耳炎患者的耳聋实行多次鼓室穿刺抽液和适当选择助听器是目前可行的处理方法。     

鼻咽癌3-D计划放射治疗后放射性中耳炎的临床分析

背景与目的:中耳咽鼓管损害高峰发生在放疗后半年,并且在很多病例可持续终身,至今为止临床上尚无有效的治疗方法,寻求放射治疗中中耳鼓室及咽鼓管更好的保护仍是放射治疗医师面临的责任,在精确放疗技术应用逐渐普遍的今天,肿瘤周围正常组织和器官的保护受到越来越多的重视,但到目前为止,有关中耳放射损伤的研究报道极少。我们采用回顾性分析的方法,通过比较鼓室腔及骨性段咽鼓管剂量分布与放疗后分泌性中耳炎的发生率,评价在鼻咽癌3-D计划放射治疗中中耳功能保护的可能性,同时了解放疗后时间、化疗、T分期等因素对结果的影响。方法:40例80耳有完整听力学检查材料的鼻咽癌3-D计划放射治疗的患者进入此项研究。所有病例放疗前后均经耳部检查,电测听及声阻抗测听,放疗后随访时间为6~24个月。电测听以500,1 000,2 000,4 000 Hz听阈平均值计算气骨导差,声阻抗根据鼓室图分为A、B、C 3型,A型为正常鼓室图,B型为中耳鼓室积液,C型为咽鼓管功能不良。结果:79耳符合声阻抗分析条件。放疗后62%耳与放疗前保持不变,13%耳得到改善,25%耳恶化。鼓室腔及骨性段咽鼓管剂量分布在恶化耳与其他各组耳之间比较差异有显著性。80耳电测听分析结果,放疗后无变化耳58%,改善耳12%,恶化耳30%。分析剂量因素对声阻抗结果的影响,恶化组的鼓室腔及骨性段咽鼓管平均受照剂量为(5379.81±706.01)cGy,不变组的平均受照剂量为(4735.72±812.30)cGy,改善组的平均剂量为(4652.86±809.78)cGy;分析剂量因素对电测听结果的影响,恶化组的中耳及骨性咽鼓管平均受量为(5229.38±778.11)cGy,不变组的平均受量为(4719.64±744.82)cGy,改善组的平均剂量为(4702.38±922.21)cGy。统计分析发现3组的剂量差异有显著性。T分期变化及1年内或1年后时间分组对听力测试结果的影响差异有显著性,而化疗对听力测试结果的影响不明显。结论:在鼻咽癌3-D放射治疗中,如将鼓室腔及骨性段咽鼓管剂量控制在4700 cGy以下,则可明显减少延迟性放射性中耳炎的发生率。对中耳鼓室腔及骨性段的保护随着肿瘤体积的增大可能性减少。放射性中耳功能损伤发病高峰在1年内,在放疗前具有正常听觉功能者,放疗1年后有更多的机会从放射损伤中恢复。     

Azithromycin: 4.5- or 6.0- Gram Dose in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Prostatitis Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis - A Randomized Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to predict the clinical efficacy of different antimicrobials in the treatment of patients with acute otitis media (AOM), before and after the change in the proportion of middle ear pathogens observed after the introduction of the new conjugated heptavalent penumococcal vaccine (PCV-7). The therapeutic Outcomes model was used to predict the likelihood of clinical success. According to this mathematical model the obtained rank order of predicted clinical efficacy was similar in the pre-PVC7 period and the post-PVC period. The results suggest that ceftriaxone and amoxicillin/clavulanate are the antibiotics with the highest predicted clinical efficacy, whereas cefaclor, azithromycin, erythromycin and clarithromycin are those with the lowest predicted clinical efficacy. The differences between antibiotics with good and those with low antibacterial activity were greater when only cases of bacterial AOM were considered. Antibiotics for which the highest clinical efficacy was predicted should maximize the likelihood of cure in outpatient antibiotic treatment of AOM.     

Successful treatment of cerebral aspergillosis by stereotactic operation and antifungal therapy

Summary. The following is a case report of a cerebral Aspergillus abscess in a male patient predisposed to this disease on account of many years of alcohol abuse. After timely identification of the pathogenic organism, the patient was cured by stereotactic operation in conjunction with antifungal therapy using amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine. The origin and the starting point of the infection remain obscure.
Zusammenfassung. Im folgenden wird ein Fall eines zerebralen Aspergillus -Abszesses bei einem durch langjährigen Alkoholabusus prädisponierten Patienten beschrieben. Er konnte durch stereotaktische Operation und antimykotische Therapie mit Amphotericin B und 5-Fluorcytosin nach rechtzeitigem Erregernachweis geheilt werden. Ursprung und Beginn der Infektion blieben unklar.