Evaluation of clinicomycological profile of chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION newlineRhinosinusitis is caused by inflammation involving the nasal cavity and the lining of the paranasal sinuses.1 Clinical presentation, presence of typical symptoms, and objective evidence of mucosal inflammation may be used to define it. Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, and headache are the main symptoms. The ideology of this research is to find the diverse types of fungi isolated from the specimen and to examine and contrast the findings related to the presence of fungal elements in individuals afflicted by chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. newlineAIM AND OBJECTIVE newlineTo identify patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and to assess the occurrence of fungal element contributing to the infection. The study aims to investigate various fungi that can be found associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. newlineMATERIAL AND METHOD newlineThis is a Prospective observational period study which was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and the Mycology section of the Department of Microbiology at our tertiary care university teaching hospital. All patients with a clinical presentation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis will be evaluated clinically and subjected for Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy and CT PNS. newlineRESULTS newlineA total number 50 cases were included in this study. The age group more commonly affected was between 20-30 years of age, comprising 28% of the population. Males had a higher incidence (54%) when compared with females. 46% showed growth in fungal culture while 54% of the population had no growth isolated. Among the fungi growth, Aspergillus fumigatus was found more common, comprising 12% of the population. Diabetes mellitus has a correlation with fungal growth. newlineii newlineCONCLUSION newlineThis study shows fungal culture to be a gold standard in diagnosing fungal component among chronic rhinosinusitis patients and the need for implementing anti-fungal agents as a treatment protocol so as to prevent complications. newlineKEY WORDS: Chronic rhinosinusitis, fungal rhinosinusitis, HPE, 20% KOH test, fungal culture, Aspergillus species. newline