Mucosal immunity and bacteriology of the eustachian tube.
The pathogenesis of otitis media is a multifaceted process that is not completely understood. Eustachian tube dysfunction plays a central but uncertain role, as do viral and bacterial microorganisms. Of the latter, the three most important are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. This article reviews the various mechanisms of infection and the immune system's response to them.
Sørensen
C H
CH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Brygge
K
K
D005064:Eustachian Tube / Q000382:microbiology*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D001936:Moraxella catarrhalis / Q000502:physiology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000502:physiology