Fungus: A Role in Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Disease Modifier, A Treatment Target, or No Role at All?

Fungal spores, due to their ubiquitous nature, are continuously inhaled and deposited on the airway mucosa. This article focuses on the potential role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Five forms of fungal disease affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses have been recognized: (1) acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (including rhinocerebral mucormycosis), (2) chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, (3) granulomatous invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, (4) fungal ball (mycetoma), and (5) noninvasive (allergic) fungal rhinosinusitis. There are several potential deficits in the innate and potentially also acquired immunity of CRS patients that might reduce or change their ability to react to fungi. There are not many arguments to suggest a causative role for fungi in CRS with or without nasal polyps. However, due to the intrinsic or induced change in immunity of CRS patients, fungi might have a disease-modifying role.