Microbiology of Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults

Bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults can be categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic forms. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is a common upper respiratory infection in adults. It is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and paranasal sinuses of short duration. Chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis is defined as rhinosinusitis lasting for at least 12 weeks’ duration. The bacteria found in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in adults are predominantly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Staphylococcus aureus has also been found in some cases. There is an increase in bacterial resistance due to the frequent use of antibiotics in patients with presumed acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, and this has had an effect on the microbial spectrum of the disease. Biofilms may also play a role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis.