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Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
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Human rhinoviruses in otitis media with effusion

F M Chantzi1, N G Papadopoulos, T Bairamis

  • 12nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, P & A Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. fchantzi@yahoo.co.uk

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|October 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Rhinovirus (RV) is the most common virus found in middle ear effusions (MEE) of children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Frequent ear infections, early onset, and family allergy history increase the risk of RV detection in MEE.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Frequent viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are linked to otitis media with effusion (OME).
  • Atopy is associated with both OME and viral infections, suggesting potential interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify viruses in middle ear effusions (MEE) of children aged 2-7 with OME.
  • To determine risk factors for virus detection in MEE.

Main Methods:

  • Middle ear effusion (MEE) samples from 37 children with OME were analyzed.
  • Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect viral RNA.
  • Physical examination, skin prick tests, and allergy questionnaires were administered.

Main Results:

  • Rhinovirus (RV) was detected in 40.5% of MEE samples; enterovirus was found in one sample.
  • RV detection was higher in children with frequent OME episodes, early onset (<2 years), and a family history of allergy.
  • No significant differences were observed in other examined parameters between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Rhinovirus is the predominant virus in the middle ear of children with OME, particularly those with recurrent or longstanding OME or allergic predisposition.
  • Interactions between allergy and RV infections may contribute to the development of middle ear disease.

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