Fungal identification in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with suspected fungal infection based on scan findings

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most prevalent diseases in Otolaryngology Recently, in Viet Nam, the diagnosis of fungal-induced chronic rhinosinusitis has been increasing. Objectives: to determine the incidence rate of fungal infection in chronic rhinosinusitis and identify the risk factors for this infection. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study; after clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scan, subjects were selected based on the 2020 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps and CT criteria; Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery was then performed to collect samples for direct microscopy and fungal culture. Results: the median age was 47 years, with 75% of patients being under 60 years old. Most patients lived in rural areas, accounting for 81.1%. The female-to-male ratio was 1.4:1. Microbiological characteristics: positive fungal direct microscopy and culture were 62.3% and 41.5%, respectively. The majority of cultured sampleswere Aspergillus sp. (87%). There was a significant association between the rural residence and positive fungal culture (p<0.05). Chronic disease as predisposing factors were significant associated with fungal infections in patients with chronic sinusitis (p<0.001). Conclusion: in our study, of all positive culture, Aspergillus sp. was the main fungal agent. Positive fungal direct microscopy and culture were 62.3% and 41.5%, respectively (p<0.001).