Fungal rhinosinusitis in Delhi-National Capital Region

Abstract

Background and objective: During past decades, fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) has been diagnosed more frequently. Knowing the fungal flora and its prevalence in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients will allow a better understanding of this disease, diagnosis and treatment. We studied the prevalence of fungus in CRS patients in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, a total of 180 patients having CRS were enrolled in which functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done. In 173 (96.1%) patients, polyps/tissue/mass were collected during surgery. In seven (3.9%) cases, sinus secretions were obtained. All the collected samples were sent for microbiology and pathology examination. Diagnosis of FRS was confirmed by direct mycological (10% KOH) and/or culture and/or pathology analysis. Results: Forty-eight cases were positive for fungus, out of these 180 patients of CRS. In patients of FRS, the most common presentation was nasal blockage followed by facial pain and facial fullness. The prevalence of FRS was found to be 26.6% in CRS and most common fungal pathogen isolated was Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion: Delhi-NCR region falls under a moderate prevalence area for fungal infection in CRS patients as compared to other regions in India. Majority of cases were isolated in summer months, the dry and hot climate of the Delhi- NCR may be responsible for such prevalence.