Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Chlamydia infection and otitis media with effusion and to establish a method for detection of Chlamydia antibodies in local fluids.
Methods: Sera and tympanocentesis aspirates from 44 patients with otitis media with effusion were collected. The specimens were used to detect the Chlamydia specific IgG, IgM antibodies using micro-immune fluorescent assay; to detect Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid DNA and Chlamydia pneumoniae genome DNA with polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and to separate Chlamydia pneumoniae in tympanocentesis aspirates with Hep-2 cell culture.
Results: One Chlamydia pneumoniae positive culture was found in tympanocentesis aspirate culture from one of the 44 patients, with positive Chlamydiae pneumoniae specific IgG antibody and DNA. Chlamydia trachomatis specific IgG antibody was increased in 14 cases sera and local secretion accordingly, with Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid DNA positive by PCR.
Conclusion: Chlamydia is a common pathogen in otitis media with effusion.