The Prevalence and Association of Biofilms With Otitis Media With Effusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the role of bacterial biofilms in the chronicity of otitis media with effusion and its resistance to antibiotics. We illustrated this role by reviewing, analyzing, and correlating the findings with the results of the included studies to reach clear evidence.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and GHL databases) was performed for all studies using the following strategy till April 2021 with the search terms: Biofilm and Middle ear effusion. We found 935 references, 421 were duplicates, and 514 were needed for further screening, and it was as follows: PubMed 215, Scopus 18, Cochrane 130, Web of Science 136, and GHL 15.

RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of culture-positive effusions was estimated to be 40% (95% CI [28%, 53%]) of the total OME population. Overall, the prevalence of PCR-positive effusions was estimated to be 97% (95% CI [95%, 99%]) of the total OME population. The pooled prevalence of EM-positive effusions was estimated to be 82% (95% CI [69%, 95%]) of the total OME population.

CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study coincide with the significant role of bacterial biofilms in the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media with effusion. The involvement of bacterial biofilm as a component of the OME pathogenic process can help us to explain why antimicrobial therapy is not always effective in the eradication of the disease process and, also explain the recurrence of middle ear effusion after treatment with tympanostomy tubes either with or without adenoidectomy.