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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Rhinovirus RNA in children with longstanding otitis media with effusion
Anne Pitkäranta1, Heikki Rihkanen, Olli Carpén
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Helsinki, PL 220, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland. anne.pitkaranta@hus.fi
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.
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