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Influenza A virus--induced acute otitis media
C A Buchman1, W J Doyle, D P Skoner
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Viral infections like influenza A can cause acute otitis media (OM) by creating middle ear underpressure. This study found influenza A linked to middle ear underpressures and subsequent bacterial infections, supporting a causal role in OM development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute otitis media (OM) is a common condition, often preceded by viral upper respiratory tract infections.
- The precise role of viruses in OM pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance of viral upper respiratory tract infections, specifically influenza A, in the development of acute otitis media (OM).
Main Methods:
- 27 adults were intranasally inoculated with influenza A virus.
- Monitoring included antibody titers, tympanometry, otoscopy, and microbiologic analysis (cultures and PCR).
- Pathogen detection focused on influenza A virus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Main Results:
- All subjects were infected with influenza A virus.
- 16 subjects (59%) developed middle ear underpressures by day 4.
- 4 subjects (25%) developed OM, with one case of purulent OM.
- PCR detected influenza A virus and S. pneumoniae in the middle ear effusion of the purulent OM case.
Conclusions:
- Viral upper respiratory tract infections, such as influenza A, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute otitis media.
- Middle ear underpressures and co-infection with bacteria may mediate the development of OM following viral infections.
- Findings support a causal link between viral infections and OM, highlighting potential viral-bacterial interactions.