[Comparison between nasal sinuses and nasopharynx with regard to bacteriologic culture in chronic sinusitis patients]

ABSTRACT

Chronic sinusitis afflicts a significant percentage of the population and causes long-term morbidity. Common use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may alter pattern and frequency of bacterial pathogens. Regarding the fact that postnasal discharge [PND] is a common symptom and sign in patients, in this study we evaluated not only the bacteriology of sinuses but also we assessed the relationship of sinus culture results and PND culture results. It is done as a prospective study in 50 patients [21 female and 29 males]. In spite of long-term broad-spectrum use of antibiotics at least for 3months, they had persistent chronic sinusitis. In next step we suggested them endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic visualized swab samples from afflicted meatus and nasopharynx were obtained and cultured in aerobic and anaerobic condition and results were compared with each other. Coagulase negative staphylococcus [36%] staphylococcus aureus [20%] and Entrobacter auroginosa [36%] were the commonest bacteria cultured in sinuses. Culture was positive in 96% and negative in 4%. Concerning sinus and nasopharynx, statistical significant correlation was found in all three bacteria mentioned above in culture results. In comparison with other studies, it showed similar results even in long-term antibiotic treated patients, and it had less effect on bacteriologic composition. On the other hand, nasopharynx culture was a reliable marker for sinus bacteriology