Upper Airway Microbiome Transplantation – A New Treatment for Chronic Sinus Disease?
Chronic or recurrent rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) affects between 5 to 12% of the population and is characterised by persistent inflammation of the sino-nasal mucosa. Despite this common presentation, the underlying cause of the condition remains unclear. Treatment has historically relied on the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery. These measures do reduce symptoms temporarily, but long-term results are often unsatisfactory. We know that the paranasal sinuses are not sterile in healthy individuals. They are colonised by commensal bacteria. These bacteria make up the microbiome. It now appears that disturbances in the makeup of the microbiome by pathogens or indeed by the use of antibiotics may promote chronic rhinosinusitis.
Can symptoms of CRS be improved by transplanting the microbiome from a healthy person? Professor Anders Cervin and Dr Anders Martensson from Sweden were our guests on this EUFOREA News Show to discuss the results of the research project.