Abstract
Otitis media (OM) is an infective and inflammatory disorder known to be a major cause of hearing impairment across all age groups. Both acute and chronic OM result in substantial healthcare utilization related to antibiotic prescription and surgical procedures necessary for its management. Although several studies provided evidence of genetics playing a significant role in the susceptibility to OM, we had limited knowledge about the genes associated with OM until recently. Here we have summarized the known genetic factors that confer susceptibility to various forms of OM in mice and in humans and their genetic load, along with associated cellular signaling pathways. Spotlighted in this review are fucosyltransferase (FUT) enzymes, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of OM. A comprehensive understanding of the functions of OM-associated genes may provide potential opportunities for its diagnosis and treatment.
Highlights
Otitis media (OM) is defined as an infective and inflammatory disorder of the middle ear
By 16S rRNA sequencing of the microbiota of the middle ear of an indigenous Filipino community prone to OM and segregating Alpha-2macroglobulin-like protein 1 (A2ML1) variants, not having a statistically significant difference between the cases and the controls, a taxonomic analysis revealed the relative abundance of the phyla Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes and the genus Fusobacterium in A2ML1 carriers compared to non-carriers (Santos-Cortez et al, 2016)
The current genetic and molecular data revealed the association of OM with deficits in each of the following mechanisms: (1) development of the middle ear cavity and Eustachian tube, (2) immune response, (3) bacterial adhesion and viral infection, (4) regulation of the extracellular matrix, and (5) clearance of the middle ear
Summary
Otitis media (OM) is defined as an infective and inflammatory disorder of the middle ear.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
