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Bacterial biofilm adherence to middle-ear ventilation tubes: scanning electron micrograph images and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2007

M Barakate ,
E Beckenham ,
J Curotta  and
M da Cruz
M Barakate
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
E Beckenham
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
J Curotta
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
M da Cruz
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract

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Introduction: The organisms that cause many device-related and other chronic infections actually grow in biofilms in or on these devices. We sought to examine the role of biofilm formation in chronic middle-ear ventilation tube infection.

Case report: Scanning electron micrograph images are presented which demonstrate biofilm on a middle-ear ventilation tube removed from a five-year-old child's chronically discharging ear. A review of the relevant international literature explores the role of biofilms in chronic infection and discusses potential intervention strategies.

Conclusion: Biofilms may be responsible for chronic middle-ear ventilation tube infection that resists treatment with conventional antibiotics.

Keywords

BiofilmsMiddle EarVentilation TubesElectron Micrograph Images
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 10 , October 2007 , pp. 993 - 997
Copyright
2007 JLO (1984) Limited