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Fungi: a normal content of human nasal mucus

Andreas Lackner1, Heinz Stammberger, Walter Buzina

  • 1Departments of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Graz, Austria.

American Journal of Rhinology
|June 1, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungi are commonly found in infant nasal mucus shortly after birth and become persistent by four months of age, similar to adults. This suggests fungi are a normal part of nasal microbiota from early life.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Fungal Ecology

Background:

  • Previous studies identified fungi in 91.3% of adult nasal mucus cultures.
  • The presence and timing of fungal colonization in neonates remained unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the earliest point at which fungi can be cultured from neonatal nasal mucus.
  • To understand the development of nasal fungal microbiota in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal mucus samples were collected from 30 neonates at birth, days 1 and 4 postpartum, and at 2 and 4 months.
  • Fungal cultures were identified using microscopy and molecular techniques.
  • Maternal birth canal mucus was also sampled to assess contamination.

Main Results:

  • Fungi were detected in 20% of neonates immediately after birth, likely due to maternal contamination.
  • Transient fungal presence was observed on postpartum days 1 and 4 in 7% and 15% of infants, respectively.
  • By 4 months, fungal cultures were positive in 94% of infants, with diverse species identified.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal colonization of nasal mucus begins soon after birth but is not persistent in the first few days.
  • Nasal fungal presence in infants mirrors adult colonization patterns by 4 months of age.
  • Fungi should be considered a normal component of nasal mucus in both neonates and adults.

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