Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
The association between the adenoid microbiome and chronic otitis media with effusion in children differs according
Jae-Won Jo1,2, Sung Kyun Kim3, Jae Yong Byun4
1Department of Life Science, Multidisciplinary Genome Institute, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
Insights
The adenoid microbiome, not the gut microbiome, is linked to chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) in children. Age-specific adenoid microbiome changes, especially in 6-12 year olds, are associated with COME development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) impacts child development.
- The adenoid's role as a bacterial reservoir in COME pathogenesis is suspected but not fully understood.
- The adenoid microbiome's specific contribution to COME requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare adenoid and gut microbiomes in children with and without COME.
- To identify the potential roles of these microbiomes in COME pathogenesis.
- To investigate age-dependent variations in the adenoid microbiome related to COME.
Main Methods:
- Whole metagenome sequencing of adenoid and fecal samples from children with and without COME.
- Bioinformatic analysis to characterize microbiome composition and function.
- Correlation analysis between microbiome profiles, age, and COME status.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the adenoid microbiome and COME, but not the gut microbiome.
- Adenoid microbiome composition varied with age in controls, with this pattern disrupted in COME patients.
- In children aged 6-12 years, specific bacteria like *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and *Haemophilus influenzae* in the adenoid microbiome were linked to mucoid COME, with implications for serous COME.
Conclusions:
- The adenoid microbiome plays a significant, age-dependent role in the pathogenesis of COME, particularly in children aged 6-12 years.
- Altered adenoid microbiome may influence immune responses via metabolites like spermidine and acetate, contributing to COME.
- Findings highlight the adenoid microbiome as a key factor in COME development and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Introduction:
Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) can adversely affect childhood development, and while the adenoid has been considered a reservoir for bacterial pathogens contributing to the pathogenesis of COME, the role of the adenoid microbiome in COME remains unclear. This study analyzed both the adenoid and gut microbiome in children with and without COME to identify their potential roles in the disease's pathogenesis.
Methods:
Adenoid samples were collected during surgery for adenoid microbiome analysis, while fecal samples were collected for gut microbiome analysis. Microbiome was analyzed using whole metagenome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analysis.
Results:
A significant association between the adenoid microbiome and COME was detected, while no such association observed for the gut microbiome. The adenoid microbiome varied by age in the control group, but this age-dependent variation was perturbed in the COME group. Notably, in children aged 6-12 years, the adenoid microbiome was significantly associated with COME based on the type of middle ear fluid, where Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were prominent indicators in the mucoid form of COME. The proliferation of these species in mucoid COME group was correlated with indicators for the serous COME group. The altered microbiome in COME patients may influence immune responses through the synthesis of spermidine and acetate, contributing to disease development.
Discussion:
This study highlights the age-dependent contribution of the adenoid microbiome-particularly in children aged 6 to 12 years-to the pathogenesis of COME.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic 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,...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:30Acute 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:
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History