MYCOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FUNGAL RHINOSINUSITIS - A STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MAHARASHTRA

A prospective observational study was conducted for two years in a tertiary care hospital to evaluate the mycological profile of clinically suspected patients of fungal rhinosinusitis. 52 samples were processed during the study period. Samples were subjected to direct microscopy by KOH mount and were inoculated on Sabourauds dextrose agar. Identification of fungi was done as per standard protocol. Specimens collected were nasal crust/exudates, nasal swabs, biopsy from nasal and maxillary sinus mucosa. Out of 52 samples, fungal elements were seen in 31(59.61%) samples on KOH mount and fungal growth was obtained in 22 (42.30%) samples. Mucor was the most common isolate (34.78%) in this study followed by Aspergillus flavus (21.73%). Diabetes mellitus was found to be the most common (55.79%) predisposing factor in our study. Early diagnosis of fungal rhinosinusitis is very important due to angioinvasive nature of the fungi which may lead to more serious complications if not treated.