Understanding Rhinosinusitis through Genetic Profiling

Researchers used high-resolution microbiome genetic profiling to compare sinus microbiota (microorganisms that typically inhabit a bodily organ or part) from patients undergoing sinus or nasal surgery, 10 of which had chronic rhinosinusitis and 10 of which were healthy.

 Nicole A. Abreu, from the San Francisco State University in Hensill, and colleagues found that the sinus microbiota from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis was less diverse, with a depletion of lactic acid bacteria and an enrichment of a single bacterial species, Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum. Inoculating mice with C. tuberculostearicum in the presence of a depleted microbiome induced sinusitis, while mice with a replete mucosal microbiota were protected from this species.The presence of Lactobacillus sakei, which the microbiome analysis had indicated was potentially protective, was a defense against C. tuberculostearicum, even when the sinus bacterial community was depleted.

"These studies demonstrate that sinus mucosal health is highly dependent on the composition of the resident microbiota as well as identify both a new sinopathogen (an infectious agent within sinuses) and a strong bacterial candidate for therapeutic intervention," Abreu and colleagues conclude.

If you suffer from sinus pain and pressure, an allergist may be able to provide you with some relief. If you live in the NYC area, feel free to contact me for a consultation.  Together we can ease your sinus symptoms.