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Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a measles virus sequence from human temporal bone sections with active
M J McKenna1, A G Kristiansen, J Haines
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Investigation of a possible viral etiology for otosclerosis was initiated because of the clinical and histopathologic similarities between otosclerosis and Paget's disease of bone and the mounting evidence of a viral etiology in Paget's disease. Thus far, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies have revealed measles-like structures and antigens in active otosclerotic lesions. A method for isolation and identification of both DNA and RNA sequences in archival human temporal bone specimens using the polymerase chain reaction technique has been developed. With use of this technique, a 115-base pair sequence of the measles nucleocapsid gene has been identified in 8 of 11 different temporal bone specimens with histologic evidence of otosclerosis. Zero of nine control specimens without histologic evidence of otosclerosis were positive. The association between the presence of the measles nucleocapsid gene sequence and histologic otosclerosis was significant (p < 0.01). This study provides further evidence for a possible measles virus etiology in otosclerosis.
Insights
This study found evidence of the measles virus nucleocapsid gene in temporal bone specimens from patients with otosclerosis. This suggests a potential viral link, specifically measles virus, in the development of otosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- Otosclerosis shares similarities with Paget's disease, which has a suspected viral cause.
- Previous studies indicated measles-like structures and antigens in otosclerotic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential viral etiology for otosclerosis.
- To determine if measles virus is associated with otosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for DNA/RNA detection in archival temporal bone specimens.
- Analyzed 11 otosclerotic and 9 control temporal bone specimens.
Main Results:
- Identified a measles virus nucleocapsid gene sequence in 8 of 11 otosclerotic specimens.
- No measles virus sequence was detected in any of the 9 control specimens.
- The presence of the gene sequence was significantly associated with histologic otosclerosis (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The study provides significant evidence supporting a potential measles virus etiology for otosclerosis.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the role of measles virus in otosclerosis pathogenesis.