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PCR analysis of nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, and hypertrophied turbinates for DNA encoding bacterial 16S rRNA
Gerald A Bucholtz1, Sherry A Salzman, Fernando B Bersalona
1Department of Allergy, Marshfield Clinic, Wisconsin 54449, USA.
Background:
Nasal polyps are considered to result from chronic inflammation, but the initial or persisting stimulus for the inflammation is not known. A variety of bacteria and fungi have been cultured from nasal polyps, but approximately 35% have sterile cultures. Previously, Mycoplasma pneumoniae-specific DNA was detected in human nasal polyps using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, suggesting M. pneumoniae as a causative agent in the etiology of nasal polyps.
Methods:
In this study, we tested for the presence of bacterial DNA in nasal polyps resected from 40 patients, in nasal mucosa membrane from 9 patients undergoing turbinectomy for hypertrophy, and in sinus mucosa membrane from 6 patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for chronic sinusitis. Tissue DNA was extracted and analyzed by PCR using M. pneumoniae specific primers for DNA that encode the 16S rRNA gene in 41 specimens (31 polyps, 6 turbinates, and 4 sinus), and by consensus sequence-based PCR using broad range primers for most eubacterial DNA encoding the 16S rRNA gene in 38 specimens (26 polyps, 7 turbinates, and 5 sinuses).
Results:
Only two samples were positive for bacterial DNA encoding 16S rRNA: Streptococcus sp. DNA was isolatedfrom one polyp specimen and Pseudomonas aeruginosa DNA was isolated in one maxillary sinusitis specimen. No evidence of M. pneumoniae-specific DNA encoding 16S rRNA was found in any of the tissues.
Conclusions:
This study suggests that chronic bacterial infection is not a major component of nasal polyp etiology.
Insights
This study found no evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or widespread bacterial DNA in nasal polyps, suggesting chronic bacterial infection is not a primary cause of nasal polyps.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nasal polyps are linked to chronic inflammation, but the underlying cause remains unclear.
- While bacteria and fungi are sometimes found, many polyp cultures are sterile.
- Previous research suggested Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a potential cause based on DNA detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of bacterial DNA, specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in nasal polyps.
- To determine if chronic bacterial infection plays a significant role in the development of nasal polyps.
Main Methods:
- DNA was extracted from nasal polyps and mucosa from patients undergoing surgery.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae and general bacterial DNA (16S rRNA gene).
- 41 specimens were tested for M. pneumoniae and 38 for eubacterial DNA.
Main Results:
- Bacterial DNA was detected in only two samples: Streptococcus sp. in one polyp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one sinusitis specimen.
- No Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA was detected in any of the nasal polyp or mucosal tissues examined.
- The study did not find evidence supporting M. pneumoniae as a causative agent.
Conclusions:
- Chronic bacterial infection does not appear to be a major factor in the etiology of nasal polyps.
- The findings challenge the hypothesis that M. pneumoniae or other bacteria are primary drivers of nasal polyp formation.
- Further research is needed to identify the true triggers of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps.