Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Differentiating Functional Roles of Gene Expression from Immune and Non-immune Cells in Mouse Colitis by Bone Marrow Transplantation
Published on: October 1, 2012
Microbiology of sinusitis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation
R Imamura1, R Voegels, F Sperandio
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil.
Abstract:
As a result of increasing use of bone marrow transplantation and new cytotoxic chemotherapy, more patients have become susceptible to sinus disease caused by unusual organisms. Sinusitis caused by fungi and gram-negative bacteria can be difficult to treat, may lead to severe complications, and should be managed promptly in the bone marrow transplant patient. Here we present the results of 41 cultures of the paranasal sinuses obtained from 18 bone marrow transplant patients in whom sinusitis developed. The most common agents were gram-negative bacteria (56.7%), followed by gram-positive bacteria (26.7%) and fungi (16.6%). In 13 samples the cultures were negative. Nasal cultures were performed ipsilateral to the sinus drained in 28 cases. Concordance was obtained in only 5 (17.8%) samples. The antibiogram of the isolated agents from the maxillary sinuses in this series revealed that the most efficient antibiotics were those that covered gram-negative bacteria. Treatment was usually prolonged in these patients, and different antibiotics were necessary to clear infections from the sinuses. In conclusion, treating sinusitis in bone marrow transplant patients may be challenging. Considerations about the microbiology and antibiogram susceptibilities of this specific population should be kept in mind when dealing with such cases.
Insights
Bone marrow transplant patients are susceptible to fungal and bacterial sinusitis. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common cause, requiring prolonged treatment with specific antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and chemotherapy increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Sinusitis in immunocompromised patients, particularly BMT recipients, can lead to severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological spectrum of sinusitis in bone marrow transplant patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment based on antibiogram data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 41 paranasal sinus cultures from 18 BMT patients with sinusitis.
- Identification of causative agents including bacteria and fungi.
- Correlation of nasal cultures with sinus cultures.
- Review of antibiotic susceptibility patterns (antibiogram).
Main Results:
- Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent pathogens (56.7%), followed by gram-positive bacteria (26.7%) and fungi (16.6%).
- Nasal culture concordance with sinus cultures was low (17.8%).
- Antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria showed the best results.
- Treatment often required prolonged duration and multiple antibiotic agents.
Conclusions:
- Sinusitis in BMT patients presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding the specific microbiology and antibiotic susceptibilities is crucial for effective management.
- Prompt and targeted treatment is essential to prevent severe complications.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract