Chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis: description of a mouse model

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Microbiology
• Animal Modeling

Background:

• Chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis (BSR) is a prevalent condition with complex pathophysiology.
• Current animal models may not fully replicate the human disease's persistent and localized nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize normal murine sinonasal anatomy.
• To establish a reproducible mouse model for studying chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis.

Main Methods:

• Histological and anatomical examination of sinonasal tissues in C57BL/6 mice.
• Surgical induction of unilateral maxillary sinus ostial obstruction using Merocel packing.
• Inoculation with Bacteroides fragilis to simulate bacterial infection.

Main Results:

• Normal murine sinuses comprise maxillary sinuses, ethmoid air cells, and respiratory epithelium.
• Obstruction and bacterial inoculation led to epithelial changes, goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammation, and fibrosis.
• Combined obstruction and inoculation produced more severe pathology than obstruction alone.

Conclusions:

• Unilateral maxillary sinus ostial obstruction combined with Bacteroides fragilis inoculation effectively models persistent, localized bacterial rhinosinusitis in mice.
• This murine model provides a valuable tool for investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis.