Determining the Role of Helicobacter pylori in Chronic Sinus Infections Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Helicobacter pylori are becoming increasingly recognized as a possible pathological cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Considering the prevalence of CRS and its impact on quality of life, we decided to determine the role of H. pylori in chronic sinus infections by using the PCR technique.

In a case-control analytical epidemiologic survey, the study population was selected by consecutive sampling from patients with CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery during years 2010 - 2012. Patients were divided into two groups. The study group consisted of patients with CRS and the control group consisted of patients with nasal obstruction caused by concha bullosa, without inflammation or infection of the sinuses. Sampling was performed during surgery from the infected tissue and from the middle turbinate mucosa. Eventually, bacterial DNA was extracted and used for the PCR test, in order to isolate H. pylori.

Nine patients (18%) with CRS had H. pylori isolated from their samples whereas in the control group, H. pylori were only found in two patients (4%); this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.025). The indicator wasn't statistically significant between males and females. There was no statistical correlation in relative frequency of H. pylori for different age groups (P > 0.05).

There was a significant correlation between CRS and presence of H. pylori in sinonasal mucosa. This relationship may reflect the role of H. pylori as one of the pathogenic factors in the development of CRS. However, further studies are required to confirm this role.