European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

THE DIFFERENCE OF EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL CLEANING AND ANTIFUNGAL APPLICATION IN THE TREATMENT OF OTOMYCOSIS BETWEEN AFRICAN AND NON AFRICAN PATIENTS IN LIBERIA

Dr. Ahmed Al-Btoush, MD* and Dr. Suhaib AL Momani, MD

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the difference of effectiveness of the local toileting and the application of antifungal creams in the management of otomycosis between African and Non African patients in Liberia. Method: Cross –sectional study was carried out in the Jordanian level III hospital, Monrovia, Liberia between the 8th of February and the 19th of June, 2013. 31 patients of otomycosis were selected and followed after treatment. divided to African patients(groupA13) and non African patients (group B 18). the diagnosis of otomycosis was established by history, symptoms(which were otalgia, pruritus and ear blockage) and clinical otoscopic examination that revealed the presence of fungal hyphae and typical wet-paper fungal description. All the patients were medically free and not using any medications for any chronic illnesses. Treatment was by aural toileting, mobbing and application of miconazole antifungal cream. Results: 92% of group A had complete recovery with no complications after one session of in clinic treatment and twice daily application of the antifungal for one week. 8% of group A had complete recovery with no complications after two sessions of in clinic toileting and outpatient local antifungal cream for 10 days. 66.7% of group B had complete recovery with no complications after one session of in clinic toileting and antifungal application and outpatient use of miconazole twice daily for a week. 33.3% of group B needed 3 sessions of in clinic toileting and miconazole application to reach full and complete recovery after two weeks. Conclusion: Despite the difference in response of the above mentioned management, both groups reached full recovery with no complications. But, group A had better response to the management and shorter time in comparison to the non African patients most likely due to the toleration for humidity and warm climate in Liberia which are the most common risk factors in the selected group of this study.

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