Effect of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis on Nasal Microbiota and Its Effect on Etiopathogenesis of Sinusitis in Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Introduction: Rhinosinusitis refers to an inflammatory condition involving the nasal sinuses. Sinusitis is a common condition, with between 24 and 31 million cases occurring in the United States annually. Microbes and allergens can stimulate the nasal mucosa, potentially leading to the development of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). This study is to be designed to determine if allergen exposure alters the sinonasal microbiome. Allergic rhinitis is considered a major risk factor for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). Aim and objective: To determine the change in normal nasal flora due to seasonal allergic rhinitis and its association with sinusitis Methodology: We have confirmed allergic rhinitis by doing AEC/Serum IgE levels from blood of allergic rhinitis patients. Nasal swab of 50 patients of seasonal rhinitis were obtained as per protocol. Nasal swab were also obtained from middle meatus of sinusitis patients not having allergic rhinitis, as controls. Result: The maximum patients of allergic rhinitis were found in the age group 16-25 years (36%), with female preponderance 3:2 and mostly the patients were married (58%). Mostly sterile swab (no growth) was obtained in 80% of both male and female population. Incidence of sinusitis in allergic rhinitis patients was (n=21 patients) 52% in female population. Discussion: The nose represent an important bacterial reservoir for endogenous infections, Nasal carriage is a major risk factor for Staphylococcus aureus infection, especially for methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Alterations in the sinonasal microbiome might be one mechanism that predisposes allergic subjects to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). Keywords: Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, serum AEC, serum IgE, sinonasal microbiome.