Perth researchers one step closer to wiping out childhood ear infections

Researchers from the Telethon Kids Institute have identified the main bacteria responsible for recurrent ear infections and repeat ear surgeries in children.

Latest research from the Institute’s Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases has found that children who had Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) bacteria present in their ear during grommet surgery were three times more likely have re-occurring infections and require repeat procedures to address their ear health issues.

“Initial results from our study in 2007-09 confirmed NTHi was the main bacterial cause of ear infections in Western Australia, and eight years later we have now demonstrated that NTHi is also the key predictor for repeat surgeries – this is pivotal in guiding our research strategies going forward,” said Dr Kirkham.

“We can now put all of our focus onto a two-pronged approach against NTHi – preventing the bacteria from growing in the first place and developing new treatment methods that will ensure any bacteria living in the ear is killed in the first instance and does not cause further problems.”

“The next phase of our research is already underway, with a nasal spray designed to prevent NTHi bacteria from causing ear infections in development. The nasal spray contains a ‘friendly’ species of bacteria found inside the nose and works like a probiotic, guarding the ear from infection.”

The NTHi bacteria is notoriously difficult to treat when present in the ear - living in a sticky glue that protects the bacteria from antibiotics and blocks the ear canal.

Dr Kirkham’s research team are also working with doctors at Perth Children’s Hospital as part of the ATOMIC Ears Study, trialling an innovative method using medication commonly used to treat cystic fibrosis to ‘break down’ the sticky glue in the ear and allow antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

Dr Kirkham says that reducing the burden of ear infections in children cannot be underestimated – otitis media is the main reason for children to be taken to the GP and given antibiotics, and a major reason why young Australian children have surgery. 

“Children will also no longer have to deal with the long-term consequences of sustained hearing loss from repeat otitis media. When kids can’t hear they can’t learn - leading to issues surrounding education, speech, behaviour and social relationships, so preventing the leading cause of otitis media will give kids the best developmental start to life,” said Dr Kirkham.

For more information about ear health and bacteria respiratory disease research by the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, please visit vaccine.telethonkids.org.au