BACKGROUND: Earlier studies indicate that respiratory viruses may play a role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). OBJECTIVES: To study the presence of rhinovirus RNA in middle ear mucosa in children with OME without signs of present acute infection. METHODS: Eighteen children scheduled for tympanostomy tube placement due to longstanding OME were recruited and a biopsy of the promontory mucosa was obtained. In addition, adenoidectomy was performed for eight of these children and a biopsy of adenoid tissue was taken as well. The samples were collected from December to May. Rhinovirus RNA was studied by in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: Seven out of eight adenoid biopsies were positive for rhinovirus by ISH. However, rhinovirus RNA was not found in any of the 18 middle ear biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that children with longstanding OME do not have a rhinovirus infection in the middle ear mucosa, although the same children frequently harbor large amounts of rhinovirus RNA in their adenoid tissue.
BACKGROUND: Earlier studies indicate that respiratory viruses may play a role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). OBJECTIVES: To study the presence of rhinovirus RNA in middle ear mucosa in children with OME without signs of present acute infection. METHODS: Eighteen children scheduled for tympanostomy tube placement due to longstanding OME were recruited and a biopsy of the promontory mucosa was obtained. In addition, adenoidectomy was performed for eight of these children and a biopsy of adenoid tissue was taken as well. The samples were collected from December to May. Rhinovirus RNA was studied by in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS: Seven out of eight adenoid biopsies were positive for rhinovirus by ISH. However, rhinovirus RNA was not found in any of the 18 middle ear biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that children with longstanding OME do not have a rhinovirus infection in the middle ear mucosa, although the same children frequently harbor large amounts of rhinovirus RNA in their adenoid tissue.
Authors: Selma P Wiertsema; Glenys R Chidlow; Lea-Ann S Kirkham; Karli J Corscadden; Eva N Mowe; Shyan Vijayasekaran; Harvey L Coates; Gerald B Harnett; Peter C Richmond Journal: J Med Virol Date: 2011-11 Impact factor: 2.327