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Updated: May 9, 2026
06:36
Improved Enzyme Protection Assay to Study Staphylococcus aureus Internalization and Intracellular Efficacy of Antimicrobial Compounds
Published on: September 8, 2021
Bone: the final frontier for Staphylococcus aureus penetration in chronic rhinosinusitis
Rogério Pezato1, Luciano Bottura, Rodrigo de Paula Santos
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. pezatobau@ig.com.br.
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus invades nasal submucosa in patients with nasal polyposis. However, this study found no evidence of Staphylococcus aureus in nasal bone, refuting its role as a reservoir for airway inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus superantigens contribute to airway inflammation.
- IgE antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxins form in nasal polyps.
- Staphylococcus aureus colonizes and invades nasal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the extent of Staphylococcus aureus invasion in the upper airway.
- Investigate Staphylococcus aureus presence in nasal submucosa and bone.
Main Methods:
- Studied inferior turbinate and ethmoid samples from patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
- Utilized a fluorescein-labeled PNA probe for Staphylococcus aureus detection.
- Tested for bacteria in decalcified bone and mucosal tissues.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus invasion was observed in the nasal submucosa of patients with nasal polyposis.
- No Staphylococcus aureus presence was detected in nasal bone samples.
- Nasal mucosa showed Staphylococcus aureus invasion, unlike nasal bone.
Conclusions:
- The hypothesis of nasal bone acting as a Staphylococcus aureus reservoir is not supported.
- Nasal submucosa invasion by Staphylococcus aureus occurs in nasal polyposis.
- Further research is needed to understand Staphylococcus aureus' role in airway inflammation.
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