Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
The association between bacterial colonization and inflammatory pattern in Chinese chronic rhinosinusitis patients
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) can be subdivided according to the mucosal inflammatory patterns. In mainland China, apart from interleukin (IL)-5-positive and IL-17-positive polyps, a large group of patients with IL-5/IL-17/interferon-gamma (IFNγ)-negative nasal polyps (referred to as key cytokine-negative (KCN) polyps) can be found.
Objective:
To further study the KCN polyps and evaluate the associations between bacterial colonization and mucosal inflammatory pattern in KCN vs IL-5-positive nasal polyps.
Methods:
Nasal polyp or nasal turbinate tissue was obtained from 89 Chinese CRSwNP patients and 36 nonatopic control subjects during surgery. Samples without and after SEB exposure were processed for the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators by immunoassay. Prior to surgery, nasal swabs were taken from each patient for microbiological evaluation.
Results:
Overall, 80% polyp tissue did not express IL-5, with about 70% (49/71) of these being KCN. Key cytokine-negative nasal polyps were characterized by the synthesis of mediators promoting neutrophilic inflammation (myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8), whereas IL-5-positive nasal polyps were characterized by the synthesis of mediators promoting eosinophilic inflammation (IL-5, ECP, total IgE and SE-IgE). Key cytokine-negative nasal polyps were associated with greater Gram-negative bacterial load compared with controls, while IL-5-positive nasal polyps were associated with greater Gram-positive bacterial colonization vs controls and KCN polyps.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that the bacteria colonizing nasal polyps of CRSwNP patients may impact on or be determined by the presence/absence of IL-5.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
01:23Chronic 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,...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: