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Middle ear secretory capacity after acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis,

P Cayé-Thomasen1, A Hermansson, M Tos

  • 1Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Gentofte University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. pcaye@dadlnet.dk

Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|July 26, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections in acute otitis media increase goblet cells in the middle ear, potentially leading to secretory otitis media. Type b Haemophilus influenzae showed the greatest effect.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness.
  • Goblet cells in the middle ear mucosa play a role in mucus secretion.
  • The relationship between specific bacterial pathogens and goblet cell response in AOM requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between different bacterial types and goblet cell density during and after acute otitis media (AOM).
  • To assess the long-term impact of bacterial pathogens on middle ear mucosal secretory capacity.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-five rats were inoculated in the middle ear with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, or type b Haemophilus influenzae.
  • Goblet cell density was quantified using a whole-mount method at multiple time points (days 4, 8, 16, 60, and 180 post-inoculation).

Main Results:

  • Goblet cell density significantly increased across all tested bacterial groups, except for M. catarrhalis at 6 months post-infection.
  • Type b H. influenzae induced the most substantial increase in goblet cell density, followed by non-typeable H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and M. catarrhalis.
  • The mucosal area containing goblet cells was enlarged in all experimental groups throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Middle ear infections caused by these bacteria lead to a heightened mucosal secretory capacity, persisting for up to 6 months.
  • This sustained increase in secretory capacity may predispose individuals to developing secretory otitis media.
  • Type b H. influenzae appears to be the most potent bacterial type in initiating a subsequent secretory condition.

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