The value of virus serology in epidemiological studies of acute otitis media in children.

摘要: Abstract Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a major health problem in young children. There general conception that AOM bacterial disease but with the availability of sensitive diagnostic methods, it has gradually become evident viruses play an important role pathogenesis AOM. Paired blood samples are seldom taken from infants although valuable information could be obtained by serological methods. During recent Finnish Otitis Media (FinOM) Cohort Study, addition to nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and middle ear fluids (MEF), paired acute convalescent serum were collected children Objectives: To establish value methods etiological epidemiological studies Study design: A complete set NPA, MEF, sera was during 447 events experienced 179 between 2 months years age. Antigens respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, influenza B, parainfluenza types 1–3 NPAs MEFs detected time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA), antibody titers determined complement fixation test (CFT) or enzyme immunoassay. Results: total 163 virus-positive identified. Of those, only 34 positive TR-FIA serology. From 48 result 81 Conclusion: Although usually little use clinical practice, clearly gain if serology included. The number findings dramatically increased including tests work-up these events.