Otitis media susceptibility and shifts in the head and neck microbiome due to <i>SPINK5</i> variants

Abstract

<i>SPINK5</i> variants confer susceptibility to non-syndromic OM. These variants potentially contribute to middle ear pathology through breakdown of mucosal and epithelial barriers, immunodeficiency such as poor vaccination response, alteration of head and neck microbiota and facilitation of entry of opportunistic pathogens into the middle ear.