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Familial and microbiological contribution to the otitis-prone condition
Matthew C Morris1, Anthony L Almudevar2, Janet R Casey3
1Research Institute, Rochester Regional Health Systems, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621, United States.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|October 23, 2015
Summary
Children with recurrent acute otitis media (sOP) show a familial link. Shared nasopharyngeal (NP) otopathogen colonization patterns among siblings contribute to this otitis-prone phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The otitis-prone (OP) phenotype is linked to immunological defects.
- Stringently defined OP (sOP) children experience frequent acute otitis media.
- Previous research suggests underlying immunological factors contribute to the OP phenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial association of the sOP phenotype in children.
- To examine nasopharyngeal (NP) otopathogen colonization patterns within families of sOP children.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sOP frequency within and between families.
- Assessment of NP otopathogen colonization patterns in family units.
Main Results:
- A significant familial association was observed for the sOP phenotype.
- The presence of sOP siblings predicted a higher likelihood of other children in the family also being sOP (OR=3.7).
- Evidence suggests an environmental contribution, possibly due to prolonged otopathogen exposure within families.
Conclusions:
- Children with the sOP phenotype exhibit a significant familial association.
- Shared NP microbial colonization patterns among siblings contribute to this familial tendency.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of genetics in the sOP phenotype.
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