Although many investigations on the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis have been reported, there is still much discussion about the physiological flora of the nose and paranasal sinuses, the role of the various aerobic and anaerobic "pathogenic" bacteria, and the influence of the anatomical location from which samples for bacteriology are taken. We conducted a qualitative and semi-quantitative bacteriological examination of patients with chronic sinusitis undergoing a transnasal sinus operation (patient group), and of patients without chronic sinusitis undergoing a septoplasty (control group). In both groups brush smears of the inferior nasal turbinate and biopsies of the middle nasal turbinate were taken, with additional biopsies of the maxillary sinus and ethmoidal bulla in the chronic sinusitis group. In both groups coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified in almost all samples. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 22% (middle turbinate) to 33% (inferior turbinate) of the samples from the control group and in 33% (maxillary sinus, middle turbinate) to 50% (inferior turbinate) of the samples from the patient group. Other (pathogenic) aerobic bacteria were found much more rarely and only slight distinctions between control and patient group were observed. The concentrations of the different bacterial species (colony-forming units) were comparable in both groups. Strictly anaerobic bacteria and fungi were not identified. Only small discrepancies between the various methods and/or locations of sampling were found. Based on our bacteriological findings a differentiation between patients with and without chronic sinusitis was not possible. These results shed doubt on the clinical value of bacteriological examinations of nasal and paranasal mucosa in patients with chronic sinusitis.
A method was evolved by which the organ of Corti could be examined in its entirety with the scanning electron microscope, the organ meanwhile retaining its spiral form. This made it possible to assess traumatic effects on the cochlea and qualify lesions in terms of extent, localization and pattern. It was also found possible eventually to cut the same specimen into sections for cellular and subcellular studies. The number of guinea pigs examined totalled 91, divided into three groups. The first group was used to study the anatomy of the organ of Corti with special reference to normal variations and artifacts. Unmistakable indications were found that the longest stereocilia of the inner hair cells are linked to the tectorial membrane. The animals of the second group were exposed to pure tones of high intensity, whereupon, lesions of the organ of Corti were described according to intensity, time, and frequency. Three different types of otologic drills were used to perform mastoidectomies on temporal bones and on the cadaver. The noise produced was analyzed as to intensity and frequency range. It was found that the drill with the lowest rpm (and highest torque) produced the highest noise intensities, at levels which can be traumatic to the human organ of hearing. The animals of the third group were exposed to the amplified noise produced by otologic drills of three different types. The resulting lesions in the organ of Corti were examined by the method described for scanning electron microscopy and compared. In spite of the wide variation in individual lesions, patterns of degeneration of three different types could be distinguished. The high-speed and the very-high-speed drill inflicted less damage on the organ of Corti than the low-speed drill. It is therefore advised to refrain from using the latter drill in prolonged operations.
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.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.