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Identification of the Bacterial Reservoirs for the Middle Ear Using Phylogenic Analysis

Chun Ling Chan1, David Wabnitz2, Ahmed Bassiouni1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Adelaide University, Adelaide, Australia.

JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
|November 5, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The external auditory canal (EAC) and nasopharynx, not the adenoid pad, may be reservoirs for middle ear bacteria in otitis media with effusion (OME). Middle ear fluid microbiota are stable over time in OME patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The adenoid pad is traditionally considered a bacterial reservoir contributing to otitis media with effusion (OME).
  • However, middle ear aspirates often contain bacteria resembling external auditory canal (EAC) commensals, questioning the adenoid's role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the microbial communities of the EAC, middle ear fluid (MEF) in OME, and the adenoid pad.
  • To identify the primary source of bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of OME.

Main Methods:

  • 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to analyze MEF aspirates and EAC lavages from 18 children with OME.
  • Microbiota data from adenoid pad samples, collected previously, were included for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

  • The MEF microbiota were dominated by Alloiococcus otitidis, Haemophilus, and Moraxella.
  • The EAC microbiota showed high abundance of Alloiococcus and Staphylococcus, with a scarcity of classic otopathogens.
  • The adenoid pad microbiota exhibited a high prevalence of otopathogens like Haemophilus and Streptococcus, unlike the EAC and MEF.

Conclusions:

  • The EAC and nasopharynx, rather than the adenoid pad, are likely reservoirs for middle ear bacteria in OME.
  • The microbial composition of middle ear fluid in OME appears consistent over time and across different patient groups.

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