title: Non-specific and specific immunity to bacterial invasion of the middle ear cavity.
abstract: The role of the non-specific (mucociliary clearance, mucus, lactoferrin, lysozyme, fibronectin, lactoperoxidase, complement, phagocytosis) and specific (immunoglobulins) immune systems in combating bacterial pathogens invading the middle ear cavity is discussed. The non-specific system is present from birth, acts promptly against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, has no memory, and is present for life. In contrast, immunoglobulins act specifically. Secretory IgA antibody prevents bacteria from attaching to the epithelium, has no pro-inflammatory effect and does not activate complement. IgG antibodies can opsonize the bacteria for phagocytosis and eventually prevent the bacteria from penetrating the epithelium. IgG is pro-inflammatory and can activate a complement cascade.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway. onhles@rito.no
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Stenfors
mesh_terms: D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007136:Immunoglobulins