Identification of nasal bacterial flora profile and carriage rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with allergic rhinitis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of allergic rhinitis (AR) on the nasal flora and colonization rates of resistant microorganisms in comparison to healthy individuals. This colonization may be important in terms of AR-related disorders, the resistant microorganisms' carriage, and its complications and co-morbidities. The study was performed with two groups. The study group was composed of 54 adult patients with AR. The control group was composed of 50 healthy individuals. None of the individuals in both groups have used any antibiotics, local or systemic steroid within the last month. Composition of bacterial nasal flora and carriage rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were evaluated with conventional methods by taking nasal smears with a swab. In the study group, methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) were detected in 30 %; whereas diphtheroids in 25 %, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in 13 %, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus in 9 %, methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 3.7 %, and extended-spectrum beta lactamases-positive gram-negative bacilli (GR-ESBL+) in 3.7 % were detected. In the control group, methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci were detected in 54 %; whereas diphtheroids in 21 %, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in 1.5 %, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus in 16 %, methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 1.5 %, Gr-ESBL(-) in 4 %, and viridians streptococci in 3 % were detected. It is found that the MRSA and MRCNS colonization is higher in patients with AR. This colonization may be important in terms of AR-related disorders, the resistant microorganisms' carriage, and its complications and co-morbidities in comparison to healthy subjects.