Local and systemic eosinophil activation in allergic fungal sinusitis

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Otolaryngology
• Pathogenesis of Sinusitis

Background:

• Diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) are not well-defined.
• The role of eosinophils in AFS pathogenesis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess eosinophil activation via eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) measurement.
• To determine ECP's utility in differentiating AFS from other chronic sinusitis types.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 13 patients for AFS using established criteria.
• Measured ECP levels in serum and allergic mucin.
• Compared ECP levels between AFS patients, non-AFS patients, and controls.

Main Results:

• Nine patients met AFS criteria, all with nasal polyps and atopy.
• Mean allergic mucin ECP levels were significantly higher in AFS patients.
• Serum ECP levels did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

• Eosinophils are activated within allergic mucin in AFS.
• ECP measurement in allergic mucin shows potential for AFS diagnosis.
• ECP may be valuable for monitoring therapeutic response in AFS.