The bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis: results using a novel culture device

The bacteriology of chronic rhinosinusitis is an area of great interest among rhinologists. Numerous studies have reported culture results implicating a variety of aerobic and anaerobic organisms in the etiology of this disease process. Sampling is generally accomplished through the nasal cavity, creating the potential for contamination with resident nasal flora. In some reports, strict anaerobic techniques have not been used, possibly accounting for the failure to recover these fastidious organisms. In an attempt to clarify the microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis, we used a novel culture and transport system in 50 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. The Accu-CulShure (MLA Systems, Pleasantville, NY, USA) is a self-contained polyethylene culture swab and transport device, capable of collecting a representative sample from the sinus without contamination, and preserving the quality of the material during transport. Our aerobic and anaerobic culture results, as well as pertinent patient data, are presented. The Accu-CulShure device may permit standardization of culture techniques for future studies, and allow for more accurate determination of the microbiology of chronic rhinosinusitis.