In vitro interaction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with human middle ear epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Otitis media (OM) is an inflammation of the middle ear which can be acute or chronic. Acute OM is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). CSOM is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the middle ear characterized by infection and discharge. The survivors often suffer from hearing loss and neurological sequelae. However, no information is available regarding the interaction of P. aeruginosa with human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs).

Methodology and findings

In the present investigation, we demonstrate that P. aeruginosa is able to enter and survive inside HMEECs via an uptake mechanism that is dependent on microtubule and ac

SUBMITTER: Mittal R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3954863 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature