Objective: To investigate a possible contribution from Helicobacter pylori to the etiopathogenesis of chronic otitis media.
Study design: Prospective clinical trial.
Methods: Tympanomastoidectomy, radical mastoidectomy, and modified radical mastoidectomy procedures were performed according to the pathology of ear disease. Biopsy specimens were taken from middle ear, mastoid antrum, and tympanic orifice of eustachian tube. Helicobacter pylori DNA was extracted from these biopsy specimens by using nested polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Helicobacter pylori DNA was detected in 3 (7.9%) of 38 chronic otitis media patients.
Conclusion: Even though it is possible to detect Helicobacter pylori in middle ear cleft in chronic otitis media, its role in the etiopathogenesis of the issue is controversial.