Incidence of fungal infections in chronic maxillary sinusitis

A study conducted on seventy-five cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis presenting at the E.N.T. Outpatients' Department of Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana revealed the presence of fungi in 8 cases. The return fluids of proof puncture and antral lavage of the sinuses were subjected to standard extraction procedures. Methods of isolation and identification of the causal fungi are described. The role of fungi, particularly Aspergillus, as pathogen is discussed in the context of antibiotic and immuno-suppressive therapy and local predisposing factors.