Otitis media with effusion and the nasopharynx. A bacteriological and immunological study

The adherence of Haemophilus influenzae to nasopharyngeal mucosal cells was investigated in vitro. Secretory IgA antibody activity and the content of fibronectin in nasopharyngeal secretion were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adherence was greater in children than in adults; and was significantly greater in children with otitis media with effusion than in control children. Secretory IgA and fibronectin in nasopharyngeal secretion were considered to influence adherence of H. influenzae to nasopharyngeal mucosa.