Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
Pathogen yield and antimicrobial resistance patterns of chronic rhinosinusitis patients presenting to a tertiary
Krista A Genoway1, Carl M Philpott, Amin R Javer
1Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Sinus Centre, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC.
Objectives:
To examine the yield and resistance profile of pathogens in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients receiving culture-directed management and to pay particular attention to the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in this population.
Study Design:
Retrospective review of a CRS microbiology database.
Participants:
Consecutive CRS patients seen at the St. Paul's Sinus Centre between June 2007 and August 2008.
Setting:
Canadian tertiary sinus centre.
Main Outcome Measure:
To determine the pathogens isolated, the frequency of these pathogens, and their resistance profiles.
Results:
The most common bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for 39% of cultured samples, followed by Haemophilus influenzae (29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (11%). Only three cases of MRSA were found, one in a patient with cystic fibrosis.
Conclusion:
MRSA does not appear to pose a significant risk of morbidity in our patient population. However, ongoing concern regarding the increasing prevalence of S. aureus and antimicrobial resistance in chronic sinonasal disease highlights the importance of using culture-directed antimicrobial therapy with the goal of minimizing future resistance patterns.
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
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,...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
