The efficacy of hospital disinfection solutions on otoscope speculums used after aural toilet for otomycosis. / [author]: Peralta, Samantha Christine, Deveza, Jr.,M. Danilo D., Cruz,Melanie Grace Y.

Includes bibliographical refernces.

Abstract:
Introduction: Previous studies have identified systemic and local factors such as instrumentation that predispose patients to otomycosis or fungal infection of the external auditory canal. Aural toilet using an otoscope speculum is an example of instrumentation that harbors a significant number of pathogenic microorganisms including ear infection-causing bacteria and fungi. This study aims to compare the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol and activated glutaraldehyde solution in disinfecting otoscope speculums used for aural toilet in patients diagnosed with otomycosis.
Methods: Sixty otoscope speculums used in diagnosed cases of otomycosis at the outpatient department of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and the Emergency Room of Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation Medical Center from December 2022 to November 2023 were included in the study. Otoscope speculums were swabbed and inoculated on separate Sabouraud Dextrose Agar before and after disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol or activated glutaraldehyde solution. Growth of fungal colonies on culture medium was recorded and confirmed microscopically.
Results: All 60 (100%) of the pre-disinfection samples were positive for growth on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Group A speculums disinfected with activated glutaraldehyde solution showed growth on 0 out of 30 (0%) cultures while Group B speculums disinfected with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol exhibited growth on 13 out of 30 (43.33%) cultures. Activated glutaraldehyde was
significantly more effective than 70% Isopropyl alcohol in eliminating fungal growth in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (p <0.001) Microscopic confirmation of colony growth revealed fungal elements.
Conclusion: Activated glutaraldehyde was more effective than 70% Isopropyl Alcohol in disinfecting otoscope speculums. Future studies are recommended to investigate the fungicidal capacity of disinfectant solutions and determine which is the most effective disinfection solution to guide otolaryngologists and clinicians.
Keywords: otomycosis, fungal otitis externa, aural toilet, ear cleaning, otoscope speculum,
disinfectant, hospital disinfectant solutions

Research - Department of Otolaryngology Department of Otolaryngology