Role of anaerobic bacterial in chronic sinusitis

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the role of anaerobic bacteria in chronic sinusitis. 32 cases suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis, comprising 21 males and 11 females, aged 18-38 years were studied. Clinical and radiological examination was done and sinus puncture was performed. Aspirated fluid was immediately cultured on nonselective medium [blood agar], as well as two selective media [NS medium and GN medium from Oxoid], and incubated aerobically and anaerobically. Results showed that 46. 9% of cases were positive for anaerobes [alone in 21.9% of cases and mixed with aerobes in 25%]. The most frequently isolated organisms were Pigmented Bacteroides [comprising 20.5% of isolates], thus being the most frequently recovered organism among both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Bacteroides fragilis constituted 10.3% of isolate, while Fusobacteria and Peptostreptococci each accounted for 4.1% of isolates. These results agree with other studies pointing to the role of anaerobic bacteria in chronic sinusitis, and emphasize the importance of bacteriological diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity testing before initiating antibiotic therapy rather than resorting to empiric treatment, as in acute sinusitis