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Polymicrobial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis: a scoping review
David Broderick1, Kristi Biswas1, Raymond Kim1,2
1Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Biofilms are more common in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, potentially worsening disease severity. While evidence suggests these sinus biofilms are often polymicrobial, more research is needed to confirm this link and its clinical impact.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biofilms are increasingly recognized in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), potentially explaining treatment resistance.
- The polymicrobial nature of biofilms and their correlation with CRS severity remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review on the prevalence of sinus biofilms in CRS patients.
- To correlate the presence of biofilms with clinical disease severity in CRS.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science).
- 39 studies involving direct visualization of biofilms on CRS patient sinus tissue were included after screening 1,853 results.
Main Results:
- CRS patients exhibited a higher prevalence of biofilms compared to controls.
- Most studies indicated increased disease severity in patients with biofilms, though statistical significance varied.
- Nine studies capable of detecting polymicrobial biofilms confirmed their presence in a subset of cases.
Conclusions:
- Biofilms are prevalent in CRS and may be associated with increased disease severity.
- Evidence suggests sinus biofilms are frequently polymicrobial, warranting further investigation.
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01:29Biofilms
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,...