Measles virus and otosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Otosclerosis is a bone disease of the middle ear.
• Chronic inflammation is observed in otosclerotic lesions.
• The role of measles virus (MeV) in otosclerosis pathogenesis is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between measles virus and otosclerosis.
• To detect MeV presence and immune response in otosclerotic tissues and fluids.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry to detect MeV proteins (N, P, F) in otosclerotic foci.
• Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to extract and amplify MeV RNA from fresh-frozen and embedded otosclerotic tissues.
• Measurement of anti-MeV IgG levels in perilymph and serum.
• In situ RT-PCR for MeV sequence localization.
• Genotyping of MeV.

Main Results:

• MeV proteins and RNA were detected in otosclerotic tissues.
• Elevated anti-MeV IgG levels were found in the perilymph of otosclerosis patients.
• MeV sequences were localized in various cell types within the middle ear mucosa.
• Genotyping identified MeV genotype A, circulating in Europe around 1960, in otosclerotic foci.
• Evidence for MeV persistence was established.

Conclusions:

• Measles virus (MeV) shows a strong association with otosclerosis.
• MeV may act as an environmental stimulus in the etiopathogenesis of otosclerosis.
• The findings support MeV persistence and an immune response in otosclerosis patients.