Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Investigating Bacteriophage-Induced Immune Responses in Gnotobiotic Mice
Published on: January 26, 2024
Bacteriophage Therapy for Chronic Mastoiditis
Julia Casazza1, Donald Tan2, Mark Newcomer2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas.
Objective:
To provide the first description of intratympanic bacteriophage therapy for chronic mastoiditis from multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the United States.
Patients:
A 47-year-old woman with chronic mastoiditis in the setting of ciliary dysfunction from cystic fibrosis and immunosuppression from lung transplantation.
Interventions:
Ten concurrent parenteral and intratympanic doses of two custom phages targeting P. aeruginosa followed by IV antibiotic therapy.
Main Outcome Measures:
Resolution of infection confirmed by symptomatology, cultures, and imaging.
Results:
At 5 months after phage treatment, the patient reported resolution of otorrhea, headaches, and hearing impairment. Subsequent cultures showed no growth.
Conclusions:
Bacteriophages can enhance antibiotic activity in cases of drug-resistant chronic mastoiditis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Tonsillitis II: Management
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...

