Analysis of aerobic bacterial strains found in chronic rhinosinusitis using the polymerase chain reaction

INTRODUCTION: Rhinosinusitis is a common disease affecting an estimated 14% of the population. Although there is general agreement in the literature r egarding acute rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis is not as well studie d, and no consensus has been reached regarding the bacterial etiology. The goal of this study was to test chronic rhinosinusitis mucosal specimens usi ng the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for aerobic bacterial content and to compare the results with standard culture data. RESULTS: Routine culture samples grew 50% aerobic bacteria, whereas PCR det ected 62% aerobic bacteria contamination. CONCLUSION: PCR detected more bacteria in mucosal samples than in standard culture, but standard culture of this mucosa reflects the general aerobic b acteria found in chronic rhinosinusitis, with no predominant species of aer obic bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE: The analysis of chronic rhinosinusitis mucosa with the PCR me thod should give a more accurate picture of the bacteria found in chronic r hinosinusitis so that proper therapy can be instituted.