[Detection of RS viral sequences in otitis media effusion from children]

The role of respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus) in otitis media with effusion was studied. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) were used to provide accurate methods for detection of RS viral sequences in the otitis media effusion from children. We could find RS viral sequences in 10/12 samples tested which had been collected during and even after natural outbreak of RSV in the community. These observations suggest RS virus as an important factor in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion. The disturbance of the local humoral and cell-mediated immune response in the middle ear accompanied with RS virus infection may lead to the development of infection-induced inflammation and ventilatory compromise, development of suppurative and effusion, multiplication of low virulence pathogens and subsequent development of mucosal damage.