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The role of biofilms in otolaryngologic infections: update 2007
J Christopher Post1, N Luisa Hiller, Laura Nistico
1Center for Genomic Sciences, Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. cpost@wpahs.org
Purpose Of Review:
Biofilms have been shown to play a role in otitis media, sinusitis, cholesteatoma, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and device infections. This article is written to review recent advances in the field.
Recent Findings:
The role of biofilms in the persistence of chronic, mucosal-based ENT-related infections was first recognized in otitis media. Definitive proof was lacking until the demonstration of bacterial biofilms on the middle-ear mucosa of children, not only with chronic otitis media with effusion, but also with recurrent otitis media. Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cholesteatoma are avid biofilm formers. Biofilms have been reported in the adenoids of children with chronic rhinosinusitis, helping to explain the clinical observation that adenoidectomy can be beneficial to children with chronic otitis or chronic rhinosinusiti. Additional studies have confirmed the presence of biofilms in chronic tonsillitis. Biofilms have also been shown to be involved in infected cochlear implants and tracheotomy tubes.
Summary:
The recognition that chronic otolaryngologic bacterial infections are biofilm related has been the impetus for the development of new technologies for the study of biofilms and their prevention and treatment. Understanding that chronic bacterial infections are biofilm related is fundamental to developing rationale strategies for treatment and prevention.
Insights
Bacterial biofilms contribute to persistent ear, nose, and throat infections like otitis media and sinusitis. New research focuses on understanding and treating these biofilm-related infections for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biofilms are microbial communities that contribute to chronic mucosal-based ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections.
- Previous understanding of biofilms' role in ENT infections was limited.
- Recent advancements have provided definitive evidence of biofilm involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the understanding of biofilms in otolaryngologic infections.
- To highlight the role of biofilms in conditions such as otitis media, sinusitis, cholesteatoma, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and device infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature and studies.
- Demonstration of bacterial biofilms on human tissues.
- Isolation and characterization of biofilm-forming bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- Biofilms confirmed in chronic otitis media with effusion and recurrent otitis media.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from cholesteatoma show significant biofilm formation.
- Biofilms identified in adenoids, tonsils, and on infected medical devices like cochlear implants and tracheotomy tubes.
Conclusions:
- Recognition of biofilms in chronic ENT infections drives new research and therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding biofilm involvement is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment approaches.
- New technologies are emerging for biofilm study, prevention, and treatment.
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