What is the most common fungal infection of the maxillary sinus?

Aspergillus is the most common fungal infection of the maxillary sinus, primarily due to the environmental presence and opportunistic nature of this pathogen. Aspergillus species are ubiquitous in the environment, often found in soil, decaying vegetation, and indoor environments. When they invade the maxillary sinus, they typically occur in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying nasal or sinus issues, such as chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps.

The pathophysiology of Aspergillus sinusitis involves the formation of fungal spores that can establish infection in the sinus cavities, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, and discharge. The diagnosis is often supported by imaging studies, which may reveal sinus opacification and sometimes a characteristic "fungal ball."

While other fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida, Cryptococcus, or Histoplasmosis, can also affect the sinuses, they are less commonly associated with maxillary sinus infections compared to Aspergillus. Candida is more often implicated in mucocutaneous infections rather than invasive sinus disease, and Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus are typically associated with systemic infections or specific geographic regions, making them less prevalent causes in the context of sinusitis. Thus, Asperg