Bacterial flora in chronic, purulent maxillary sinusitis

Evaluation of the microbiology of chronic ethmoid sinusitis

In a prospective study, patients with the diagnosis of chronic ethmoid sinusitis were evaluated microbiologically by using biopsy specimens of the ethmoid sinus mucosa. Microbiology cultures were performed on 94 specimens from 59 patients. Staphylococcus aureus and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were the most frequent classical pathogenic bacteria isolated. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common overall isolates. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were infrequent isolates. No anaerobes, viruses, or Chlamydia trachomatis organisms were identified. Results of this study showed organism isolation frequencies different from those found in other studies of chronic sinusitis reported in the literature. The predominance of S. aureus and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae could have an effect on the antimicrobial therapy for chronic ethmoid sinusitis.

Bacteriology of maxillary sinusitis in relation to character of inflammation and prior treatment

By antral aspiration, 200 sinus secretions were obtained from the same number of adult patients with maxillary sinusitis. The bacteriological findings were related to the character of the secretions as well as to the duration of symptoms, previous antibacterial treatment and possible dental genesis. Pathogens were isolated in 87% of 54 patients with untreated acute sinus empyema, Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most prevalent (57%). In 47 cases of treatment failure Haemophilus influenzae predominated and was found in 60% of the purulent secretions. In all, 11% of the 47 cases showed growth of beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae, corresponding to 18% of all H. influenzae in this group. Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobic bacteria were infrequent findings except in purulent sinus secretion from patients with a long history. In contrast to patients with sinus empyema, no pathogens were found in the majority of 37 patients with non-purulent sinusitis.

Pathogenicity of Branhamella catarrhalis

Branhamella catarrhalis--a Gram-negative diplococcus--differs biochemically from other Neisseriaceae and possesses a specific protein with antigenic properties. Although scattered cases of meningitis and endocarditis have been reported since 1907, B. catarrhalis has been considered a non-pathogenic, pharyngeal commensal. However, relatively recent reports have shown B. catarrhalis to play a significant role in the etiology of otitis media and bronchopulmonary infections. Some reports also indicate a pathogenic role in sinusitis and longstanding cough in children, and in acute laryngitis in adults. B. catarrhalis is susceptible to co-trimoxazole, erythromycin, cephalosporins and tetracyclines. Most strains are also susceptible to penicillin, but the frequency of beta-lactamase producing B. catarrhalis has increased from 4% to 25% during the last six years (Sweden). First choice antibiotics in infections with penicillin-resistant strains would be erythromycin and co-trimoxazole.

Sinusitis: an improved regime of investigation for the clinical laboratory

Clinical material from 200 patients suffering from acute sinusitis was examined cytologically and bacteriologically. Seventy per cent of specimens were collected by aspiration of the middle meatus, 20% by antral wash, and 10% by direct swabbing of the antra. A comparison of the results from these differing techniques is made. The bacteriological methods used and the isolates and their significance are discussed, and suggestions are offered for improving the routine demonstration of presumptive pathogens in this disease.

The microbiology of paranasal sinus infections: diagnosis and management

Study of the bacteriology of sinusitis and its diagnosis and treatment has been difficult. One problem is the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses; all communicate with a bacteriologically contaminated cavity. Access to all but the frontal sinus involves traversing either the nasal or oral cavity, both of which are teeming with aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The criteria used to establish the diagnosis of sinusitis has varied widely. There are a number of examination techniques available, but none are foolproof. Therefore, patient populations may not be comparable. The absolute elimination of the possibility of contamination of culture specimens is impossible. Investigators have taken cultures in several ways: of the purulent secretions within the nose, of the contents lavaged from the sinus into the nose, of material aspirated from the sinus, and of tissue removed from the sinus. In most studies prior to 1974, anaerobic cultures were not performed. Studies of various treatment programs have used differing criteria to monitor the progress of treatment. No single method is completely reliable. Clinical signs and symptoms, radiologic appearance, the results of irrigation, and thermography have been used to follow patients. Many studies have used multiple therapeutic maneuvers concurrently, for example, antibiotics, lavage, and a decongestant. In some there were no controls. Because of these problems, as is true in many clinical areas of investigation, meaningful comparisons of various studies are difficult. Despite this, there are some areas of consensus in the literature.

Serological studies in acute maxillary sinusitis

A comparison was performed between bacteriological and serological findings in 97 patients suffering from acute maxillary sinusitis. A significant titre change (larger than or equal to 2 titre steps) of complement-fixing antibodies to H. influenzae was demonstrated in 15 patients. H. influenzae was demonstrated in aspirated sinus secretions from 7 of these 15 patients. Further, titre changes to Neisseria catarrhalis were demonstrated in 25 patients. No significant titre changes in anti-streptolysin and anti-staphylolysin titres were demonstrated. The results are discussed briefly.

Studies on Branhamella Catarrhalis (Neisseria catarrhalis) with special reference to maxillary sinusitis

Paired sera from 97 patients with acute maxillary sinusitis were examined regarding antibodies to Branhamella catarrhalis. Precipitating antibodies were demonstrated in almost all sera both from patients and from healthy blood donors. Complement-fixing (CF) antibodies to B. catarrhalis were present in sera from 25 of the 97 patients and in one of 20 healthy blood donors. The titres were low and the titre changes when present were of a small magnitude. CF antibodies were most commonly demonstrated in the younger age groups. The patients with demonstrable CF antibodies to B. catarrhalis did not differ from patients without antibodies regarding radiological appearance or healing during therapy. Strains of B. catarrhalis were all rapidly killed by normal human serum but not in heated sera. The strains could not multiplicate significantly at an oxygen tension corresponding to about half the atmospheric value. The possible significance of the serological and bacteriological findings is discussed.