9 out of 10 children will experience at least one episode of otitis media with effusion (OME), which is defined by middle ear fluid collection without acute infection symptoms. OME requires close observation because of the possibility of long-term consequences, including as learning disabilities, delayed language development, and adhesive otitis media. Although usually sterile, the part that bacteria and biofilms play in the pathophysiology of OME has recently come to light, pointing to possible treatment targets.
Because of anthropogenic pollution, microplastics are becoming more and more common in the global biosphere and may be harmful to human health. Clothing, paints, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics are some of the sources, which produce a variety of sizes and forms. Microplastics can include biofilms that promote microbial survival, including potentially harmful species, and can create microhabitats that have an impact on human health.
More research is necessary to fully understand the toxicity of microplastics and their possible function as infection vectors. Thus, to clarify a possible connection between ambient microplastic exposure and this prevalent pediatric ailment, this study examines the presence of microplastics in middle ear effusions in individuals with OME.
Almost, 24 patients (13 men and 11 women; mean age 5.4 years) with bilateral OME (≥3 months duration) or unilateral OME (≥9 months duration) having myringotomy had middle ear effusions taken. After aspirating the diffusions, they were cleaned with filtered distilled water, subjected to 10% KOH, and then allowed to incubate. After passing through a 0.7 μm glass fiber filter, the samples were cleaned with acetone and dyed with rose bengal. Raman microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to evaluate the presence and characteristics of microplastics.
A total of 11 out of 40 MEE samples (27.5%) had microplastics. Bilateral microplastic presence was seen in two cases. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethyl siloxane, polyurethane glycol, polyethylene diethyl chlorophosphite, polypropylene, and polyamide were among the microplastics that were found.
Overall, this study is the first to show that microplastics are present in the middle ear of humans. This discovery contributes to the increasing amount of data showing the buildup of microplastics in different human organs and tissues. The possible contribution of microplastics to OME development and their wider effects on middle ear health require more study.
Source:
Kökoğlu, K., Mıhçıokur, H., Uyanık, I., Öztürk, D., Yıldız, H., Taş, O. B., & Kaplan, R. A. (2025). Microplastic presence in the fluid of otitis media with effusion. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 196(112501), 112501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112501
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