Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
The pathogens profile in children with otitis media with effusion and adenoid hypertrophy
G P Buzatto1, E Tamashiro1, J L Proenca-Modena2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Objectives:
To evaluate the presence of viruses and bacteria in middle ear and adenoids of patients with and without otitis media with effusion (OME).
Methods:
Adenoid samples and middle ear washes (MEW) were obtained from children with OME associated with adenoid hypertrophy undergoing adenoidectomy and tympanostomy, and compared to those obtained from patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery, as a control group. Specific DNA or RNA of 9 respiratory viruses (rhinovirus, influenza virus, picornavirus, syncytial respiratory virus, metapneumovirus, coronavirus, enterovirus, adenovirus and bocavirus) and 5 bacteria (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus) were extracted and quantified by real-time PCR.
Results:
37 OME and 14 cochlear implant children were included in the study. At the adenoid, virus and bacteria were similarly detected in both OME and control patients. At the middle ear washes, however, a higher prevalence of bacteria was observed in patients with OME (p = 0.01). S. pneumoniae (p = 0.01) and M. catarrhalis (p = 0.022) were the bacteria responsible for this difference. Although total virus detection was not statistically different from controls at the middle ear washes (p = 0.065), adenovirus was detected in higher proportions in adenoid samples of OME patients than controls (p = 0.019).
Conclusions:
Despite both OME and control patients presented similar rates of viruses and bacteria at the adenoid, children with OME presented higher prevalence of S. pneumonia, M. catarrhalis in middle ear and adenovirus in adenoids when compared to controls. These findings could suggest that these pathogens could contribute to the fluid persistence in the middle ear.
Insights
Children with otitis media with effusion (OME) show higher prevalence of bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis in the middle ear, and adenovirus in adenoids, compared to controls. These pathogens may contribute to persistent middle ear fluid.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common pediatric condition characterized by fluid in the middle ear.
- The role of microbial pathogens in the pathogenesis and persistence of OME remains an area of active investigation.
- Adenoids are frequently implicated in OME, serving as a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and prevalence of specific viruses and bacteria in the middle ear and adenoids of children with and without OME.
- To compare microbial findings between children with OME and a control group undergoing cochlear implant surgery.
Main Methods:
- Adenoid tissue and middle ear washes (MEW) were collected from children with OME and a control group.
- Real-time PCR was employed to detect and quantify DNA/RNA of 9 respiratory viruses and 5 common bacteria.
- Samples were analyzed to compare pathogen detection rates between OME patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Adenoid samples showed similar virus and bacteria detection rates in both OME and control groups.
- A significantly higher prevalence of bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, was found in the middle ear washes of OME patients (p = 0.01).
- Adenovirus was detected more frequently in the adenoid samples of OME patients compared to controls (p = 0.019).
Conclusions:
- While adenoid microbial colonization was similar, OME patients exhibited increased prevalence of key bacteria in the middle ear and adenovirus in adenoids.
- These specific pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and adenovirus, may play a role in the development and persistence of middle ear effusions.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationship between these microbes and OME pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management