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. 2020 Jun 25;35(1):128.
doi: 10.4102/sajid.v35i1.128. eCollection 2020.

Aspergillus niger otomycosis in a child with chronic otitis externa

Christoffel J Opperman  1 , Julie Copelyn  2
Affiliations

Aspergillus niger otomycosis in a child with chronic otitis externa

Christoffel J Opperman et al. S Afr J Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Aspergillus niger is commonly associated with otomycosis. Currently, local guidelines lack appropriate guidance on the definitive treatment and management when the fungus is identified. The repeated use of antibiotics in children with refractory episodes of otitis externa is concerning and may contribute towards otomycosis. This case report highlights the importance of a well-collected pus swab from the ear and suggests a topical antifungal to use in paediatric patients with Aspergillus niger otomycosis.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger; antifungal; chronic otitis externa; otomycosis; otorrhea.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Characteristic black sporing heads of Aspergillus niger covering white mycelium macroscopically, grown at 35° C on Sabouraud Dextrose media with amikacin.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Microscopic view of Aspergillus niger stained with lactophenol cotton blue (binocular, light microscope: 200X). The arrows indicate roughened conidia. The box area highlights the conidiophore with a large vesicle, as well as the phialides and metulae covering the entire surface.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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