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Biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Thiago Freire Pinto Bezerra1, Francini Grecco de Melo Padua, Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago Gebrim
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. bezerratfp@gmail.com
Summary
Biofilms were detected in most patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and controls. While not statistically significant, further research is needed to explore the role of biofilms and host factors in CRSwNP.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis of Sinusitis
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a complex inflammatory condition.
- The role of microbial biofilms in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the presence of biofilms in patients diagnosed with CRSwNP.
- To investigate the association between biofilm presence and CRSwNP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university-based tertiary care center.
- Mucosal samples were obtained from 33 CRSwNP patients undergoing surgery and 27 control patients undergoing septoplasty.
- Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect biofilms, with statistical analysis performed.
Main Results:
- Biofilms were identified in 72.7% of CRSwNP patients and 48.1% of control patients.
- The odds ratio for biofilm presence in CRSwNP patients was 2.87 (95% CI, 0.98-8.42), with a P-value of .051.
Conclusions:
- Biofilms are present in both CRSwNP patients and controls, suggesting they may not be sufficient to cause CRSwNP alone.
- Host factors might play a crucial role in biofilm-related pathogenesis.
- While not statistically significant, a potential clinical difference was observed, warranting further investigation due to low statistical power.
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