The nasopharynx and the middle ear. Inflammatory reactions in middle ear disease

The host-parasite interactions in the nasopharynx with bacterial colonizati on and antigen uptake in the lymphoid tissue, the adenoid, has an impact on the maturation of local and systemic immunity. The adenoid is a part of mu cose associated lymphoid tissue and is responsible for both effector and in ductor functions in the nasopharynx. Increasing evidence supports the role of serum antibody in protecting the middle ear cavity from disease. There i s evidence for a minor immunologic defect in a number of children with recu rrent episodes of AOM. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.