Does bacterial Biofilms have a role in the development of human chronic rhinosinusitis

Abstract EN

Background: The presence of bacterial biofilms may explain the recalcitrant nature of some forms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) despite proper medication and good aeration of the sinuses after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the existence of bacterial biofilms on the sinus mucosa surfaces of patients with recalcitrant chronic sinusitis. Patients and methods: Fourteen patients with CRS scheduled for FESS or patients with persistent rhinosinusitis after FESS were enrolled in the study.

Cultures were obtained from the sinus secretions and mucosal biopsies were harvested from the bulla ethmoidalis for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Nine patients showed picture of chronic rhino-sinusitis with pathological thick adherent mucociliary blanket, five specimens showed bacilli and four specimens showed cocci. Conclusion: Bacterial biofilms can be considered to have a major role in the failure of medical and/or surgical treatment of CRS resulting in its recalcitrant nature.