Introduction: Nasal polyposis is a frequent disease in the otolaryngology clinical practice. The association of this disease with fungi has been receiving more attention only in the last 20 years, mainly after the recognition of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis. Aim: The objective is to identify fungal elements in the sinus of patientes with nasal polyposis and to analyze their immunologic responses to aeroalergens. Study Design: clinical prospective. Material and Method: We analyzed in a prospective way, 20 patients with the diagnose of sinonasal polyposis, who presented themselves at the Otolaringology ambulatory of the "Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho". During the surgical treatment, the specimens removed from the paranasal sinuses, were placed in flasks containing Sabouraud with chloramphenicol. Following this procedure, the samples were sent for hystologic analysis and culture. Total IgE, specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus serum levels and eosinophilis count were dosed. The patients were also submitted to cutaneous tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Blattella americana and Aspergillus fumigatus antigens. Results: Six patients (30%) showed fungal development, i.e. 4 Aspergillus sp, 1 Candida tropicalis and 1 Cladophialophora carrionii. Thirteen (68,42%) had positive prick test for the antigens described above. Ten patients (50%) showed eosinophilia. High serum levels of total IgE were found in eight (44.4%). The increased IgE-specific serum levels to Aspergillus fumigatus were observed in only one patient. Conclusion: We want to emphasize the relevance of the fungi research and of the immune system investigation in patients with nasal polyposis, aiming a more accurate diagnose and an adequate treatment.
nasal polyposis; allergy; Aspergillus; Candida; fungal infection
