Study of Helicobacter pylori in Middle Ear Effusion in Children

Introduction: Otitis media is one of the most common diseases in children. It is believed that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a predisposing factor in most upper respiratory tract problems including pharyngoesophagitis, croup, oropharyngeal adenophagia, rhinosinusitis, and otitis media. The probable role of H.pylori in otitis media with effusion (OME) was investigated in this study.

Methods: Fresh stool specimens and serum samples from 40 children with OME were analyzed with antigen in stool and antibody in serum. The effusion samples were taken and analyzed using rapid urease test (RUT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Results: RUT was positive in 13 (32.5%) patients and PCR was positive in 15 (37.5%) patients. Ag in stool was positive in 27 (67.5%) and Ab in serum was positive 21 (52.5%).

Conclusion: The presence of H.pylori in the middle ear effusion and stool indicates that this bacterium might be involved in the pathogenesis of OME.