Biofilm Dynamics in Otologic Infections

Bacterial biofilms are structured communities of microbial cells embedded in a self‐produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that adhere to surfaces within the middle ear and adenoidal tissues. In otologic infections such as acute and chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma and adenoiditis, biofilm formation underlies treatment failure and disease recurrence. The biofilm life cycle comprises initial adhesion of planktonic bacteria to mucosal epithelium, maturation through cell–cell signalling and matrix production, and eventual dispersal of cells that seed new sites. Within this matrix, microorganisms exhibit altered metabolism, increased tolerance to antibiotics and evasion of host immune responses. Polymicrobial interactions, particularly between nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, drive community stability and chronicity. Recent advances have elucidated the roles of quorum sensing molecules in regulating biofilm architecture and the mechanical properties of the extracellular polymeric substance in resisting shear forces during mucociliary clearance. A deeper understanding of biofilm dynamics has prompted exploration of novel diagnostics, such as optical imaging modalities, and innovative therapies that disrupt matrix integrity or inhibit cell communication, offering potential to reduce global burden of persistent ear infections and prevent long‐term hearing impairment.

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Biofilm Dynamics in Otologic Infections publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biofilm dynamics in otologic infections across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biofilm: A structured community of microbial cells enclosed in a self‐secreted polymeric matrix and attached to a surface.

Extracellular polymeric substance: A complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids that forms the biofilm matrix.

Quorum sensing: Cell–cell communication via chemical signals that coordinate gene expression and biofilm behaviour.

Otitis media: Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, often associated with fluid accumulation and microbial colonisation.

Dispersal: The process by which cells detach from a mature biofilm to colonise new sites.

References

1. Modeling airway persistent infection of Moraxella catarrhalis and nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae by using human in vitro models. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2024).
2. Investigation of the Presence of Biofilms in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Nonsuppurative Otitis Media, and Chronic Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The Scientific World JOURNAL (2013).
3. Differentiation of otitis media-causing bacteria and biofilms via Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2022).