Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Household Plumbing as Possible Cause of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Millions of Americans live with chronic sinus infection. Most infections are caused by either bacteria or fungi. Some of these infections can be hard to treat, eluding medical and surgical treatment and persisting for months or even years. A recent study in New York found that some patients with a chronic sinus infection had tuberculosis-like organisms (mycobacteria) in their sinuses and that the same organisms were also in the tap water at their homes. These mycobacteria can be resistant to commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Doctors should check for mycobacteria in patients with treatment-resistant sinus infection. Patients who flush their sinuses at home should use sterile saline, not tap water.

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