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Evidence of bacterial biofilms in a rabbit model of sinusitis
Joel R Perloff1, James N Palmer
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Bacterial biofilms have been documented on middle ear mucosa, tonsils, and cholesteatoma. In addition, we have described previously bacterial biofilms on frontal recess stents placed during surgery for chronic sinusitis. We hypothesize that bacterial biofilms are present on the mucosa of animals with sinuses experimentally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods:
We instilled Pseudomonas aeruginosa at log phase growth into the right maxillary sinus in 22 New Zealand white rabbits and harvested specimens 1-20 days later. We then examined the tissues with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Mucosa from the middle turbinate on the contralateral side was used as a control.
Results:
We identified evidence of bacterial biofilms on the mucosa of all 22 animals under SEM. Twenty-one of 22 animals had sinus cultures positive for Pseudomonas. Bacterial biofilms were identified by evidence of glycocalyx, water channels, and three-dimensional structure. These images were similar to other images of known biofilms.
Conclusion:
This is evidence of the presence of bacterial biofilms in an animal model of sinusitis. This model may serve as a means to study the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic and surgical treatments on the disruption and elimination of bacterial biofilms. Additional study into the role of bacterial biofilms in perpetuating chronic sinusitis is warranted.
Insights
Bacterial biofilms were found on the sinus mucosa of rabbits infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This animal model can help study treatments for chronic sinusitis and biofilms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Bacterial biofilms are found in various human tissues, including those related to the ear, nose, and throat.
- Previous studies have identified biofilms on surgical implants for chronic sinusitis.
- This study investigates the presence of bacterial biofilms in an experimental animal model of sinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if bacterial biofilms are present on sinus mucosa experimentally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rabbits.
- To establish an animal model for studying bacterial biofilms in sinusitis.
Main Methods:
- 22 New Zealand white rabbits were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the maxillary sinus.
- Tissues were harvested between 1 and 20 days post-inoculation.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy were used for examination, with contralateral middle turbinate mucosa serving as a control.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed bacterial biofilms on the sinus mucosa of all 22 rabbits.
- Twenty-one out of 22 rabbits had positive sinus cultures for Pseudomonas.
- Identified biofilm characteristics included glycocalyx, water channels, and a three-dimensional structure, consistent with known biofilms.
Conclusions:
- This study provides evidence of bacterial biofilms in an animal model of sinusitis.
- The established model can be used to evaluate treatments targeting biofilm disruption and elimination.
- Further research is needed to understand the role of bacterial biofilms in chronic sinusitis progression.