Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-mkpzs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T17:44:32.441Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

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
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

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

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)