Factors influencing activities of COM

 

 

Infection:

Mucopus from the ears of patients with COM is rarely sterile. Cultures frequently yield multiple organims and these vary depending on the climate, patient population and whether antibiotics have been given or not. Some studies have not found any differences in the bacterial composition between mucosal COM and squamosal COM.

Biofilms:

Biofilms have been identified both in active mucosal and active squamosal COM. Bateria exist as surface attached organizations. These organizations are known as biofilms. Biofilms have greater antimicrobial resistance, and host defences find it difficult to penetrate. These biofilms play a vital role in the pathogenesis of chronic infections.

Studies reveal that biofilms are present in 60% of patients with COM.