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The occurrence of molds in patients with chronic sinusitis

Magdalena Twarużek, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Piotr Winiarski

    European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology : Official Journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : Affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    |October 15, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Molds, particularly Penicillium and Aspergillus species, were found in 67% of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, suggesting a significant role for fungal infections in this inflammatory condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Otolaryngology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting nasal and sinus mucosa.
    • While bacteria are often considered the primary cause of CRS, recent evidence points to the involvement of molds.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence and types of mold infections in patients undergoing surgery for chronic sinusitis.
    • To perform a mycological analysis of sinus tissue and lavage samples from CRS patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Mycological analysis of mucosal tissue from the ethmoid bulla and maxillary sinus lavage was performed on 107 CRS patients.
    • Tissue samples were incubated in Sabouraud medium, and lavage samples were examined using the dithiothreitol solution method.
    • A control group of patients without chronic sinusitis was included for comparison.

    Main Results:

    • Molds were detected in 67% of the examined CRS samples.
    • A total of 41 mold species from 12 genera were identified.
    • Penicillium spp. (46%) and Aspergillus spp. (16%) were the most frequently isolated genera, with specific species like Penicillium crustosum and Aspergillus niger being prevalent.

    Conclusions:

    • Fungal presence, particularly Penicillium and Aspergillus, is common in chronic rhinosinusitis.
    • These findings highlight the potential etiological role of molds in CRS, warranting further investigation into antifungal treatments.

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