Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
The role of atypical bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis
Raymond E Lee1, Sarita Kaza, Gregory V Plano
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA.
Objective:
This study examines the presence of atypical bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by utilizing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Study Design And Setting:
Eleven patients with CRS were prospectively enrolled. DNA was isolated from the mucosa samples and subjected to PCR using oligonucleotides specific for identification of atypical bacteria including: Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Also, routine aerobic and anerobic cultures were processed. Sinus tissue samples from 6 fresh corpses without evident sinus disease served as controls.
Results:
No atypical bacteria were identified in the 11 patient samples by PCR. One of 6 cadaver controls was positive by PCR for M pneumoniae. The most common organism obtained from routine culture was coagulase negative staphylococci.
Conclusion:
Using sensitive PCR techniques, CRS mucosa did not reveal DNA from M pneumoniae, C pneumoniae, or L pneumophila.
Significance:
Atypical bacteria were not identified in patients with CRS despite highly effective PCR methods and they may not play a significant role in the cause of CRS.
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Atypical Pneumonia
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

