OBJECTIVE: Complete separation of upper and lower respiratory tract after total laryngectomy results in loss of physiological nasal functions and presence of "unconditioned" inspired air in lower airways. Aim of this study is evaluating the presence of a microbial colonization of nasal cavities and @entity825 in laryngectomized long-term survivors. METHODS: Twenty-five laryngectomized @entity1 underwent symptoms' anamnestic evaluation, endoscopic fiber optic nasal and tracheal examination, specimen collection for microbiological exam, and culture. Enrolled @entity1 had at least a 2-year follow-up period in order to evaluate long-term microflora. RESULTS: Gram positive polimicrobic flora represented the main finding in nasal cavities and @entity825 (92% and 48% of @entity1 , respectively). Other bacteria were non-fermenters Gram negative bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and @entity794 . The same microflora was demonstrated in nasal cavity and @entity825 in 5 @entity1 (20%), while sterile nasal cavity and @entity825 were seen in 3 (12%) and 4 (16%) cases, respectively. No fungi were observed in nasal cavity and @entity825 . CONCLUSION: Nasal cavities and @entity825 of laryngectomized @entity1 are colonized by nonpathogenic and/or potentially pathogenic bacteria, in absence of signs and symptoms of @entity281 . Colonizer microflora should be kept in mind when a culture from nasal or tracheal swabs is needed in daily practice.

Nasal and Tracheal Microbial Colonization in Laryngectomized XXXX .

@entity825 :: ('MESH:D055090', 'Disease') :: ['trachea'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity794 :: ('1280', 'Species') :: ['Staphylococcus aureus'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infection']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['Patients']
