Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction
04:25

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Serum antibody response to pneumococcal otitis media

M Koskela, M Leinonen, J Luotonen

    Pediatric Infectious Disease
    |July 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Acute otitis media is commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
    • Understanding the immune response to pneumococcal infections in children is crucial for vaccine development and treatment strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the total and immunoglobulin class-specific antibody responses to pneumococcal infections in children with acute otitis media.

    Main Methods:

    • Sera from 114 children (3 months to 7 years) with acute pneumococcal otitis media were analyzed.
    • Radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure antibody levels.
    • Antibody responses were assessed against the infecting pneumococcal serotype/group.

    Main Results:

    • 36% of children showed a significant antibody increase (≥ twofold) to the infecting pneumococcal type.
    • Responsiveness varied widely (17-83%) across different pneumococcal types.
    • Antibody response magnitude and intensity increased with child age.
    • IgG and IgM antibodies were typically detected in acute sera and regularly formed.
    • IgA antibodies were more frequent in convalescent sera and declined earliest.

    Conclusions:

    • Children mount variable antibody responses to pneumococcal otitis media, influenced by serotype and age.
    • IgG and IgM are key early responders, while IgA plays a role in later stages.
    • These findings highlight the complexity of the pediatric immune response to pneumococcal infections.

    More Related Videos

    Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination09:11

    Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

    Published on: September 25, 2014

    Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens08:47

    Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens

    Published on: April 5, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Humoral Immune Responses01:36

    Humoral Immune Responses

    Overview
    Immunological Memory01:23

    Immunological Memory

    Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
    What is Immunological Memory?
    Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
    Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

    Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

    Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
    Atypical Pneumonia01:14

    Atypical Pneumonia

    Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...