Otitis Media

Our current project combines clinical and laboratory investigations to elucidate virologic and host genetic aspects on the pathogenesis of acute otitis media in children. We are exploring the pathogenicity of specific respiratory viruses and the role of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFa, IL-1ß, IL-6) and their gene regulation in the mechanisms of virus-induced acute otitis media in vivo and in vitro. In addition we are evaluating the association between polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokine genes and susceptibility of otitis media.

Researchers

• Tasnee Chonmaitree, M.D.
• Janak A. Patel, M.D. Co-investigator
• Reuben Matalon, M.D. Co-investigator
• Krystal Revai, M.D. Co-investigator
• James J Grady, Dr. P.H., Biostatistician
• Sangeeta Nair, D.V.M. Research Associate
• M. Lizette Rangel, Research Assistant

Funding

Pathogenesis of virus-induced acute otitis media, NIH R01 DC 005841 (Chonmaitree), Principal investigator. Total direct cost $ 1,250,000, total cost $ 1,862,500. 9/02-8/07

Pathogenesis of virus-induced acute otitis media, NIH R01 DC005841-02S1 (Chonmaitree) - Supplement for the Underrepresented Minorities Program (Krystal Revai, M.D., M.P.H.). Total direct cost $ 244,749, total cost $369,572. 9/03-8/06

Relevant Publications

• Heikkinen T, Chonmaitree T. The importance of respiratory viruses in acute otitis media. Clin Microbiol Rev 2003,16:230-241.
• Chonmaitree T, Saeed K, Uchida T, Heikkinen T, Baldwin CD, Freeman DH, Jr, McCormick DP. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of effect of antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment in acute otitis media. J Pediatr 2003, 143: 377-385.
• Saeed K, Coglianese CL, McCormick DP, Chonmaitree T. Otoscopic and tympanometric findings in acute otitis media yielding dry tap at tympanocentesis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2004, 23:1030-4.
• McCormick DP, Chonmaitree T, Pittman C, Saeed K, Friedman NR, Uchida T, Baldwin CD. Non-severe acute otitis media: A clinical trial comparing outcomes of watchful waiting versus immediate antibiotic treatment. Pediatrics 2005, 115: 1455-1465.
• Revai K, McCormick DP, Patel J, Grady JJ, Saeed K, Chonmaitree T. Effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on nasopharyngeal bacterial colonization during acute otitis media. Pediatrics, 2006, 117:1823-9.
• Williams JV, Tollefson SJ, Nair S, Chonmaitree T. Association of human metapneumovirus with acute otitis media. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2006, 70: 1189-93.