Analysis of Fungi in the Nasal Secretion of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients

Shin, Seung Heon; Lee, Young Ho; lee, Sung Jun; Kim, Chang Gyun; Ye, Mi Kyung

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fungi have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens in sinusitis. Different types of fungi colonize in the nasal secretion of different individuals and the geographic distribution of fungi is different all across the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of positive fungal culture in nasal secretions and the spectrum of fungal elements in the Korea population, and to clarify the association between fungal sinusitis with type I hypersensitivity.
Materials and Methods
This prospective study evaluated 40 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), 20 allergic rhinitis (AR), and 20 normal volunteers. Fungi were cultured with nasal irrigation and swab method, and skin prick test was done to determine the specific IgE against fungi.
RESULTS
Fungal cultures of nasal secretions were positive in 92.5% of CRS, 95.0% of AR, and 100% of healthy volunteers by nasal irrigation method. Cladosporium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus were commonly cultured, but the fungal culture results were not so significantly different among three groups. Type I hypersensitivity to fungal allergens was not important in the majority of CRS patients.
CONCLUSION
Fungi was present in every nasal secretion, and type I hypersensitivity seemed not important in the pathogenesis of CRS.