Bacterial biofilm adherence to middle-ear ventilation tubes: scanning electron micrograph images and literature review

INTRODUCTION: The organisms that cause many device-related and other chronic infections actually grow in biofilms in or on these devices. We sought to examine the role of biofilm formation in chronic middle-ear ventilation tube infection. CASE REPORT: Scanning electron micrograph images are presented which demonstrate biofilm on a middle-ear ventilation tube removed from a five-year-old child's chronically discharging ear. A review of the relevant international literature explores the role of biofilms in chronic infection and discusses potential intervention strategies. CONCLUSION: Biofilms may be responsible for chronic middle-ear ventilation tube infection that resists treatment with conventional antibiotics.