title: New paradigms in the pathogenesis of otitis media in children.
abstract: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a multifactorial disease with a significant socioeconomic impact. The pathogenesis of AOM is attributed to a variety of well-established internal and extrinsic factors. Recent evidence strongly points to bacterial biofilm formation as an important contributor to this disease entity. The nasopharynx is a likely reservoir for infection with subsequent seeding of pathogens to the middle ear via planktonic shedding. Various modalities have been used to directly detect biofilm formation in the middle ear mucosa of children with AOM. Further insights into this disease may lead to new strategies for prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA.
authors.forename: James Mark
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Coticchia
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA.
authors.forename: Livjot
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sachdeva
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit, MI , USA.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mutchnick
keywords: acute otitis media; biofilms; middle ear infection; otitis media; otitis media with effusion; pathogenesis