title: Recurrent post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea secondary to aerobic endospore-forming bacilli: a case report and brief literature review.
abstract: We report a unique case in which a 57-year-old man with an 8-year history of late recurrent post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea (PTTO) was found to harbor Bacillus subtilis, an aerobic endospore-forming bacillus that is typically resistant to chemical and physical agents because of its unique life cycle. Removal of the patient's tympanostomy tube resulted in complete resolution of his long-standing otorrhea. We also review the etiologies of and treatment strategies for early, late, chronic, and recurrent PTTO. We conclude that regardless of the etiology, a patient with persistent or recurrent PTTO should consider undergoing removal of the ventilation tube.
authors: Ear, Nose, and Throat Services, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. jamesjaber2@gmail.com
authors: James J
authors: JJ
authors: Jaber
authors: Matthew L
authors: ML
authors: Kircher
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Thorpe
authors: Ryan G
authors: RG
authors: Porter
authors: John P
authors: JP
authors: Leonetti
authors: Sam J
authors: SJ
authors: Marzo
mesh_terms: D016863:Bacillaceae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001412:Bacillus subtilis; D020878:Device Removal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation