Characteristics of the organisms
Aspergillus spp. (53%) were the commonest species isolated among the studies (Table 1). In terms of specific organism, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus were found in 53%, 41%, 33% and 31% of studies respectively. At least one Aspergillus organism was routinely isolated in studies involving immunocompromised patients. Opportunistic organisms were isolated in immunocompetent patients in two studies: a case of external ear mucormycosis was reported in India and a case of otomycosis caused by Pseudallescheria apiosperma was reported in Tunisia.