Publication:

Evaluation of clinicomycological profile in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Rhinosinusitis (RS) poses a major health problem, substantially affecting quality of life, productivity, and finances.

Methods This prospective clinical study was conducted in the Department of ENT at Government Medical College, Patiala, from March 2022 to June 2024 (2 years) involving 60 patients diagnosed with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) based on the diagnostic criteria outlined in the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS-2012).

Results The study comprised patients with a mean age of 37.42 years (±14.43) with male to female ratio of 1.22:1. Mycological evaluation showed fungal filaments on KOH mount in 35% patients and Aspergillus flavus being the most frequently isolated species on culture. Histopathological analysis confirmed fungal rhinosinusitis in 30% of patients, with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis being the most common finding, followed by fungal ball.

Conclusions In our study, Aspergillus flavus being the most commonly isolated fungus, followed by Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucorales species. These findings highlight the common fungal association in CRS. Mycological identification is essential for accurate diagnosis, guiding appropriate treatment and preventing complications.