Comparative study between ear set use in relation with bacterial biofilms causing ear-infections

Abstract

Background: Ear infections have recently been identified as a major public health problem in many countries, and are associated with the presence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The ability of these microorganisms to form a biofilm on medical equipment and on headsets has led to concern that there might be a connection between using ear sets by a large number of people and complicated ear infections. Objective: To assess the correlation between the use of ear sets continuously, their formation of biofilm and the development of ear infections among the people using the headphones.

Methods: This study has been carried out in Kirkuk city from January to May 2023 on 168 participants of both sexes, aged 20-60 years. The participants were divided into Group A (n=120) who used headphones, with 50 male and 70 female, and Group B (n=48) the non-headphones users as control, with 18 male and 30 female. Swabs from ears were taken aseptically and cultured for microbiological and biochemical identification. Biofilm formation was analysed by Congo red agar method. Glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA and vitamin D3 was measured using the ichroma™ technique.

Results: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common organisms found in ear infections of patients who wore earphones, and male patients were more susceptible. In the ear infection group, reduced vitamin D3 and antioxidant markers (GR, SOD, MDA) levels were found.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that there may be a relationship between oxidative stress, vitamin D3 deficiency and biofilm related ear infections in the ear infection group, especially the headphone group.