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Fungal disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses
George R Thompson1, Thomas F Patterson
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Coccidioidomycosis Serology Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, Calif 95616, USA. grthompson@ucdavis.edu.
Abstract:
Fungal infections of the nose and paranasal sinuses represent a spectrum of diseases ranging from colonization to invasive rhinosinusitis. Clinical manifestations are largely dependent on the immune status of the host, and given the ubiquitous nature of these organisms, exposure is unavoidable. Noninvasive disease includes asymptomatic fungal colonization, fungus balls, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Invasive disease includes indolent chronic rhinosinusitis, granulomatous fungal sinusitis, and acute fulminant fungal rhinosinusitis. A differentiation of these somewhat overlapping syndromes and the disparate treatment regimens required for effective management are the focus of this review.
Insights
This review details fungal infections of the nose and sinuses, differentiating noninvasive and invasive types. Understanding host immunity is key to managing these common fungal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fungal infections of the nose and paranasal sinuses present a wide range of conditions.
- Host immune status significantly influences clinical presentation.
- Ubiquitous fungal exposure makes these infections common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of fungal rhinosinusitis.
- To differentiate between noninvasive and invasive fungal sinusitis.
- To highlight varying treatment strategies for effective management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fungal rhinosinusitis.
- Classification of fungal sinusitis based on invasiveness.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and host factors.
Main Results:
- Noninvasive forms include asymptomatic colonization, fungus balls, and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
- Invasive forms encompass indolent chronic, granulomatous, and acute fulminant fungal sinusitis.
- Overlapping syndromes necessitate careful differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment of fungal sinusitis.
- Management strategies vary significantly based on disease type and host immunity.
- Further research into specific treatment regimens is warranted.
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