[Ultrastructural changes in middle ear and cochlea caused by respiratory syncytial virus in guinea pigs]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was inoculated into the middle ear of guinea pigs. Preyer's reflex began to decrease since 21st day. The positive rate of RSV culture from middle ear mucosa within the first week was 50%. The titer of IgG antibody against RSV in sera rose gradually. Electron microscopy showed enlarged rough endoplasmic reticulum, swelling mitochondria and pyknosis of nuclei in the epithelial and mononuclear cells of middle ear. The surface of Corti's organ was covered with exudate; hair cells had their hairs distorted or desquamated. The results indicate that the RSV can cause acute infection of middle ear and degeneration of hair cells of the cochlea.