[Relationship between bacterial biofilms and chronic rhinosinusitis by scanning electron microscopic study]

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Microbiology
• Pathology

Context:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent condition with complex pathophysiology.
• Bacterial biofilms are implicated in chronic infections but their specific role in CRS requires further elucidation.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offers high-resolution imaging for detailed morphological analysis of sinus mucosa.

Purpose:

• To investigate the presence and morphological characteristics of bacterial biofilms in CRS patients using SEM.
• To compare biofilm occurrence in CRS patients versus non-CRS controls.
• To assess the correlation between bacterial biofilms and CRS severity.

Summary:

• SEM analysis revealed bacterial biofilms in 9 out of 15 CRS patients (60%), significantly higher than the 1 out of 11 controls (9.1%).
• Typical biofilm features like water channels, 3-D structures, and matrix-embedding bodies were observed in CRS patients.
• Cilia aggregation, potentially a biofilm-associated feature, was also noted in CRS samples. Higher Lund-Mckay CT scores were associated with the presence of biofilms in CRS patients.

Impact:

• This study provides strong SEM evidence for the significant presence of bacterial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis.
• Findings suggest bacterial biofilms play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and severity of CRS.
• Identification of biofilm-specific morphological features aids in understanding CRS mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.