Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the hypoventilated middle ear: an experimental model.

CONCLUSION

This is a suitable model for studying different aspects of the pathophysiology of chronic suppurative otitis media.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the methodological features of an animal model of chronic suppurative otitis media induced by intratympanic inoculation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Otitis media was induced by inoculation of P. aeruginosa through the inferior aspect of the rat bulla and cauterization of the Eustachian tube via a transpalatal approach. Inspection of the tympanic membrane, culturing of middle ear effusion and processing of the temporal bones for light microscopy were performed.

RESULTS

Abnormal otomicroscopic findings and persistence of infection were correlated with the histopathological changes found in middle ear tissues.