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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Biofilms may be responsible for chronic middle-ear ventilation tube infection that resists treatment with conventional antibiotics.
Barakate
M
M
University of Sydney, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. barakate@gmail.com
Beckenham
E
E
Curotta
J
J
da Cruz
M
M
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome