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[Participation in causing O.M.E. with nasopharyngeal alpha-Streptococcus]
I Fujimori1, R Goto, K Hisamatsu
1Department of Otolaryngology, Yamanashi Medical University.
Summary
Normal pharyngeal flora plays a key role in upper respiratory tract defense. Reduced inhibitory activity by nasopharyngeal flora may contribute to otitis media with effusion (O.M.E.) in children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Otitis media with effusion (O.M.E.) is a common childhood condition.
- The role of the nasopharyngeal microbiome in O.M.E. pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Normal pharyngeal flora is crucial for immune defense against respiratory pathogens.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of normal pharyngeal flora in the defense against upper respiratory tract infections.
- To compare the incidence of key bacterial pathogens and the inhibitory activity of alpha-streptococci in children with O.M.E., chronic tonsillitis, and healthy controls.
- To determine if reduced inhibitory activity of nasopharyngeal flora contributes to O.M.E.
Summary:
- A bacteriological study of 50 children with O.M.E. identified higher incidences of *H. influenzae*, *S. pneumoniae*, *S. aureus*, *M. catarrhalis*, and group A Streptococcus compared to controls.
- In O.M.E. cases, the detection rate of alpha-streptococcal strains with inhibitory activity against these pathogens was significantly lower in the nasopharynx than in controls and lower than in the tonsils.
- Findings suggest a decline in the inhibitory capacity of normal nasopharyngeal flora may be a contributing factor to O.M.E. development.
Impact:
- This study highlights the importance of the nasopharyngeal microbiome's protective functions.
- Identifies a potential mechanism linking dysbiosis of normal flora to O.M.E. pathogenesis.
- Suggests therapeutic strategies targeting the restoration of normal flora's inhibitory activity may be beneficial for O.M.E. prevention and treatment.