Relationship between effusion bacteria and concentrations of immunoglobulin in serum and effusion fluid in otitis media with effusion patients

SummaryObjectiveBacterial infection and immunity are important in the development of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children who have not developed Eustachian tube function. We evaluated the relationship between the presence of bacteria in effusion fluid and immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations in effusion fluid and serum.MethodsMiddle ear effusion and blood samples were collected from 58 OME patients who had undergone ventilation tube insertion. Bacteria in effusion fluid were detected by standard bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum and middle ear fluid Ig concentrations in OME patients and serum Ig concentrations in 64 control children were evaluated.ResultsBacteria were detected in 24/58 (41.4%) effusion fluid samples by PCR and in 12/58 (20.6%) by standard culture. There was no correlation between effusion Ig concentration and the presence of bacteria or between serum and effusion Ig concentrations, but serum Ig concentration was related to the presence of effusion bacteria (p < 0.05). Serum IgG, IgA and IgM in patients with OME were lower than in control patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the presence of effusion bacteria in OME may be related to systemic immunity, but that the concentration of Ig in effusion fluid may not be affected by the presence of effusion bacteria.