Biofilms and intracellular infection in otitis media

Otitis media (OM), middle ear infection, represents a significant burden on children, their families, and the healthcare system. OM is major cause of hearing loss in children if left untreated who suffer chronic recurrent forms OM, this disease can have serious life-long sequelae. Chronic are recalcitrant to current therapies due formation biofilms intracellular biofilm pods by otopathogens mucosa within fluid. These pathogens actively hijack children’s own immune response persist neutrophil extracellular trap-derived DNA ear. Children from also been shown reduced antibody levels important anti-biofilm protein antigens. both represent potential targets for treatment or prevention under investigation.