Virus studies in secretory otitis media.

In this study we have endeavoured to isolate viruses from the middle ear mucosa, pharynx and nasopharynx of fifty cases of secretory otitis media. No viruses were isolated from the middle ear, but four patients were found to be harbouring a virus in the pharynx or post-nasal space. Each of these virus types could be expected in random survey of children of this age group. A previous attempt was made in 1969 to isolate viruses from the middle ear in this condition, but with negative results. This present study has employed more up-to-date techniques but without success. Despite these continued negative results we still feel that viruses may be of significance in the aetiology of secretory otitis media.