The role of respiratory viruses in otitis media

Evidence derived from numerous studies ranging from animal experiments to e xtensive clinical trials supports a crucial role for respiratory viruses in acute otitis media. Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract initiat es the whole cascade of events that ultimately leads to development of acut e otitis media, and viruses contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease by several mechanisms. Recent data indicate that at least some types of vir uses actively invade the middle ear and may also interfere with the outcome of otitis media. The availability of effective vaccines against the princi pal viruses predisposing to acute otitis media could be expected to result in a substantial reduction in the incidence of this disease. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.