| Abstract: | Introduction. In the literature, contradictory statements regarding the physiological flora of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the role of aerobic and anaerobic ‘pathogenic’ bacteria, and the influence of the sample technique and location can be found. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of bacteriological examinations of the nasal and paranasal mucosa in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods. Patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or a septoplasty were examined. Nasal brushes of the inferior turbinate and mucosal biopsies of the middle turbinate were taken in both groups. Mucosal biopsies of the ethmoidal bulla and maxillary sinus were taken in only the chronic rhinosinusitis group. Results. In both groups, coagulase‐negative Staphylococci were found in all samples. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 22% (middle turbinate) and 33% (inferior turbinate) of all samples in the control group and in 33% (maxillary sinus) and 50% (inferior turbinate) in the patient group. Other aerobic bacteria were found in low percentages in both groups. No strictly anaerobic bacteria and no significant differences between both groups and the different samples were found. Conclusions. A differentiation between patients with and without chronic sinusitis was not possible. |
