Antral Wash for Culture & Sensitivity

Function

Antral Wash for Culture and Sensitivity is a diagnostic procedure where the maxillary sinus (antrum) is irrigated with sterile saline, and the fluid is collected for microbiological analysis. The goal is to identify specific bacterial or fungal pathogens residing within the sinus cavity and determine which antimicrobial agents are effective against them.

Why it is Ordered

This is not a routine test for simple sinusitis. It is reserved for complex cases, including:

• Chronic Sinusitis: Infections lasting longer than 12 weeks that fail to respond to standard therapy.
• Treatment Failure: When empirical antibiotics have failed to clear the infection.
• Immunocompromised Patients: To rule out opportunistic or fungal infections (like Mucormycosis).
• Severe Complications: If the infection is suspected of spreading to the orbit or intracranial space.

Associated Conditions

• Bacterial Sinusitis: Common isolates include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
• Fungal Sinusitis: Often seen in diabetic or immunocompromised individuals (e.g., Aspergillus).
• Cystic Fibrosis: Patients often have recalcitrant sinus infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Odontogenic Sinusitis: Infections originating from dental roots often show anaerobic bacteria in the antral wash.