Bacterial‐induced epithelial damage promotes fungal biofilm formation in a sheep model of sinusitis

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms cause sinonasal mucosal inflammation and epithelial injury, which provides conditions appropriate for fungal biofilm proliferation. The role of cilia in sinonasal mucosal defense against fungal organisms has been demonstrated. Without such an insult, fungal biofilms fail to proliferate in occluded sinuses. Improving cilial recovery postoperatively and treating bacterial biofilms may be key factors in reducing recalcitrance in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis patients.