Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025
Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
Adenoidal bacterial biofilm in pediatric rhinosinusitis
Radmila Anca Bugari1, Aristide Sorin Başchir, Luminiţa Adela Turcin
1Department of ENT, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Romania; alexandru.chioreanu@yahoo.ro; Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania; balasoiu.maria@yahoo.com.
Insights
Children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CR) show higher bacterial biofilm on adenoids than those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Biofilm drives infection in CR, making adenoidectomy the key treatment.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Chronic rhinosinusitis (CR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common pediatric conditions.
- Bacterial biofilm on adenoidal tissue is implicated in upper airway inflammation and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare bacterial biofilm coverage on adenoidal tissue in children with CR versus OSA.
- To correlate SEM findings with histopathological and immunohistochemical data.
- To investigate the role of biofilm in CR pathogenesis and its link to allergic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for visualizing biofilm coverage.
- Image analysis software for quantifying biofilm percentage.
- Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses.
- Allergy testing in all participants.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher bacterial biofilm coverage was observed on adenoid tissue in children with CR compared to those with OSA.
- Bacterial biofilm was identified as a persistent infection generator in the nasopharynx of children with CR.
- Adenoidectomy emerged as the sole effective treatment for symptom relief in CR patients.
Conclusions:
- Elevated bacterial biofilm on adenoids is a key feature distinguishing CR from OSA in children.
- Bacterial biofilm plays a critical role in the chronicity of infection and inflammation in pediatric CR.
- Adenoidectomy is a crucial intervention for managing CR symptoms, potentially linked to biofilm removal.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to observe, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the ratio of bacterial biofilm coverage of adenoidal tissue in children diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CR), compared to the ratio of adenoid bacterial biofilm coverage in children diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We also performed histopathological and immunohistochemical tests to correlate the results with the images obtained from SEM. We estimated, using an image analysis program, the coverage ratio with bacterial biofilm on the surface of the lymphatic tissue. Adenoid vegetation extracted from children with CR had a higher percentage of bacterial biofilm coverage compared to the group diagnosed with OSA. In the nasopharynx of children with CR, the bacterial biofilm had a constant role of infection generator, and adenoidectomy was the only effective therapeutic procedure to relieve the symptoms. Allergy tests were performed in all children to establish a link between CR, OSA and allergic rhinitis.
More Related Videos
11:54Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
09:03Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Related Concept Videos
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,...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:29Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:30Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...