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Role of Fungi in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: An Update

  • SINUSITIS (ML KOWALSKI, SECTION EDITOR)
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Abstract

The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is multi-factorial with an infectious process likely at least partly involved. While bacteria have been proposed to play a critical role in CRS, fungi have also been implicated by some investigators, although the pathogenesis of fungi in CRS represents a significant controversy among rhinologists. Fungal-associated factors believed to be involved in CRS include the ability of fungi to induce significant inflammatory reactions by different means through inducing localized cytokine production in the sinonasal tract. Despite these observations, randomized, controlled studies on CRS patients using antifungal therapy have not resulted in significant improvement in CRS patients. The role of fungi in the pathogenesis of CRS remains controversial.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Surgical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 6 Founders, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Kathleen T. Montone

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Correspondence to Kathleen T. Montone.

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Montone, K.T. Role of Fungi in the Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: An Update. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 13, 224–228 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-012-0332-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-012-0332-x

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