Microbiome analysis of cholesteatoma by gene sequencing

Cholesteatoma is defined by recurrent or persistent infection and destruction of both the ossicles and the surrounding temporal bone. Cholesteatoma sequelae - including those both within and extending beyond the temporal bone - typically begin with the accumulation and expansion of keratin in the tubotympanum. A wide range of microbes have been associated with acquired cholesteatoma, most commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobes. To our knowledge, no study has utilized high-sensitivity, high-throughput microbial analysis techniques, like sequencing, to evaluate the microbiome of patients with cholesteatoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the microbiome of cholesteatoma in the hope that this information will contribute to better understanding into the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma. Specifically, we proposed to evaluate the microbiome of the cholesteatoma matrix and uninvolved mucosa from patients with previously untreated, acquired cholesteatoma with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and compare these results to the microbiome of middle ear mucosa from patients undergoing cochlear implantation with no history of cholesteatoma or middle ear surgery.