Biofilms in Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the role of biofilms in otitis media with effusion (Glue Ear) using fluorescence mesoscopy
IRAS ID
299965
Contact name
Catriona Douglas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GGC R&D
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Gn22EN358, GGC R&I Reference Number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Otitis media with effusion (OME), known as ‘glue ear’, is a common diseases of childhood characterised by a build up of fluid behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This can lead to hearing loss and may have long-term effects on development. The ear and throat are connected internally via a tube, the opening of which is located close to the adenoid tonsils in the throat. Swelling of these tonsils due to infection and inflammation (i.e. adenitis) can cause obstruction of this tube which prevents fluid from draining from the ear into the throat as it normally does. Fluid then becomes backed up behind the ear drum, leading to OME. Children with adenitis do not respond to antibiotic therapy, but the reason for this is unclear. One hypothesis is that the bacteria form a thin but strong plaque-like coating over the surface of the adenoids, known as a ‘biofilm’, which makes it harder for the antibiotics to reach the bacteria and clear the infection. Due to the lack of treatment options this poses, surgery to remove the adenoid tissue (adenoidectomy) and insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets) to allow the fluid to drain, is the most common childhood operation. This study aims to collect adenoid tissue and fluid samples from children already undergoing this surgery, which would have otherwise been disposed of, in order to analyse them in the laboratory using specialist imaging techniques. This will provide important information including the existence and structure of these ‘biofilms’ as well as what bacteria are involved and whether they are also seen in the fluid, which has historically thought to be non-infected. This may lead to further research and the opportunity for new therapies to be developed for children with OME and reduce the impact on their development.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0856
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion