Biofilms in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Otitis Media

The differences noted in the study have prompted us to propose a new paradigm shift in the etiology of RAOM, stressing the importance of the nasopharynx as a nidus for chronic infection, Dr. Zuliani said.

The Bottom Line

While all three biofilm studies offered important new information about the prevalence of these bacterial types in CRS and RAOM, plus a new method to remove biofilms, the studies did not prove that bacterial biofilms actually cause the two conditions. As one audience member pointed out, despite the obvious implication of involvement, we still need to prove that biofilms are causative and not just bystanders.

©2007 The Triological Society