Paranasal sinus mycosis in suspected fungal sinusitis

Fungal infections of the paranasal sinuses in the immunocompetent patients are being recognized with increasing frequency. Infections are assigned in invasive and noninvasive forms. In a retrospective study, a total 39 patients with suspected fungal sinusitis were studied for causative fungal agents between 1994 and 2001. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of fungi in direct preparations and culture techniques. Samples were biopsy specimens taken from the sinuses or exudates from deep sinus tracts. Paranasal sinuses mycoses were proven in 18 patients, including 12 men and 6 women, their age ranging from 17 to 58 years. The most frequently isolated organisms were Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. Paranasal sinuses infections by Cladosporium trichoides (bantianum) and Pseudallescheria boydii are reported for the first time in Iran from Pasteur Institute. In our series, Aspergillus flavus has been isolated more frequently than other agents.