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Otosclerosis: a measles virus associated inflammatory disease
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum r.d. Isar, Technical University, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
The etiology of otosclerosis is still unknown. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed the characteristics of chronic inflammation in the otospongiotic area. Paramyxoviral structures have been identified by electron microscopy and the expression of measles virus antigen has been observed by immunohistochemistry in active otosclerotic tissue. By use of the polymerase chain reaction, measles virus related sequences have been detected in otosclerotic bone tissue but not in control specimens. The aim of our study was i) to detect measles virus genome in affected patients using a more sensitive PCR system and ii) to search for anti-measles virus IgG in the perilymph. In 13 out of 14 specimens of bone fragments from surgically removed stapedes of patients suffering from otosclerosis, measles virus RNA sequences could be detected while other tissues from the same patients and from a negative control group lacked such sequences. Furthermore, IgG anti-measles virus antibodies were detected in the perilymph of 6 patients. Our results support our previously stated hypothesis that otosclerosis is a measles virus associated disease which provokes a local immune response within the inner ear.
Insights
Otosclerosis may be linked to the measles virus. Researchers detected measles virus RNA in most otosclerosis bone samples and found measles virus antibodies in patient perilymph, suggesting a viral association.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The cause of otosclerosis, a common hearing impairment, remains unknown.
- Evidence suggests chronic inflammation and potential viral involvement, specifically the measles virus, in otosclerosis.
- Previous studies detected measles virus components in otosclerotic tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of measles virus genome in otosclerosis patients using a highly sensitive PCR system.
- To identify anti-measles virus IgG antibodies in the perilymph of individuals with otosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to detect measles virus RNA sequences in bone fragments from surgically removed stapedes of otosclerosis patients.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify measles virus antigen expression.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or similar methods were used to detect IgG anti-measles virus antibodies in perilymph samples.
Main Results:
- Measles virus RNA sequences were detected in 13 out of 14 bone specimens from patients with otosclerosis.
- These viral sequences were absent in control tissues and specimens from non-otosclerosis patients.
- Anti-measles virus IgG antibodies were found in the perilymph of 6 otosclerosis patients.
Conclusions:
- The findings strongly support the hypothesis that otosclerosis is associated with the measles virus.
- A local immune response within the inner ear is likely triggered by the measles virus in otosclerosis patients.
- This research provides further evidence for a viral etiology in otosclerosis.