The nasopharynx and the middle ear. Inflammatory reactions in middle ear disease.

The host-parasite interactions in the nasopharynx with bacterial colonization and antigen uptake in the lymphoid tissue, the adenoid, has an impact on the maturation of local and systemic immunity. The adenoid is a part of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue and is responsible for both effector and inductor functions in the nasopharynx. Increasing evidence supports the role of serum antibody in protecting the middle ear cavity from disease. There is evidence for a minor immunologic defect in a number of children with recurrent episodes of AOM.