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Published on: July 4, 2018
Bacterial flora in normal adult maxillary sinuses
Walid Abou-Hamad1, Nayla Matar, Michelle Elias
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hôtel Dieu de France Hospital, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy
|June 4, 2009
Summary
Healthy maxillary sinuses are predominantly sterile, with most samples showing no bacterial growth. This study found bacteria in only a small number of asymptomatic adults with normal sinus appearance.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Conflicting data exist regarding bacterial presence in healthy maxillary sinuses.
- This study aimed to clarify the bacterial flora and quantify bacterial levels in these cavities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the bacterial flora of healthy maxillary sinus cavities.
- To quantify bacterial presence in asymptomatic adults.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were obtained from 14 patients undergoing orthognathic surgery via antral puncture.
- Strict sterility protocols were followed, and specimens were processed within 15 minutes.
- Aerobic and anaerobic organisms were inoculated.
Main Results:
- 82.14% of the analyzed maxillary sinus specimens were sterile.
- Bacterial organisms were detected in only four patients.
- Low levels of coagulase-negative staphylococci and Citrobacter fundii were identified.
Conclusions:
- Healthy maxillary sinus cavities in asymptomatic adults with normal endoscopic findings are predominantly sterile.
- The findings suggest a low prevalence of bacterial colonization in healthy sinuses.
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