Past Research  

Chronic Otitis Media Project

   Children often struggle with fluid in their ears. In fact, it is one of the most common
reasons children have difficulty hearing. Biofilms are a certain way bacteria can
grow to better resist antibiotics. They are often present in chronic infections.
We looked at biopsies of adenoids in kids with chronic ear fluid and compared them
to kids with adenoid obstruction (no infection). This showed that kids with chronic ear
fluid had biofilms present in their adenoids.

We also looked a middle ear fluid and it showed the same bacteria. This showed
that it is likely that biofilms in adenoid tissue likely play a role in chronic ear fluid.

The project won an award as best poster at a national meeting in May 2009.