A Fluorescence microscope image of chronic rhinosinusitis tissue showing different markers associated with inflammation. Yellow and magenta show the locations of different classes of immune cells.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, or "Golden Staph") can be found in healthy and diseased sinuses. We have found that the activity of S. aureus is quite different between strains from different patients and determines whether those patients develop inflammation or not. Based on this finding, we have developed a novel therapy that aims to replace the bacteria that cause disease with nonvirulent bacteria. We hope the treatment will balance the microbiome and reset the immune system towards a healthy balanced immune response.