Introduction: Ear infections (otitis media, or OM) is the most common illness in childhood. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common reason children receive antimicrobials and undergo middle ear surgery. Biofilms have been shown to play a role in otitis media, sinusitis, cholesteatoma, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and device infections. Biofilms arc complex organized communities of attached bacteria embedded in an extracellular matrix that display many of the hallmarks of multicellular organisms including: small molecule interccllular communication systems; specialized phenotypes; and differentiated metabolism.
Objective: To test the hypothesis tbat chronic OM in children is biofilm-related
Recent findings: Understanding that many of the infections that affect structures of the car are actually biofilm related. This is the base to develop rational strategy for treatment and prevention to the decease.The biofilm may play a major etiologic role in OME and olso the frequent complications. Biofilms provide bacteria with distinct advantages, including antimicrobial resistance and protection from host defenses.
Conclusion: Biofilm formation may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media with effusion and their complication.
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