Acute Otitis Media Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Viral infections affecting the nasopharynx resulting in inflammation in the mucosa and orifice in the Eustachian tube is largely associated with AOMs pathogenesis even though the viral roles are not well known. URTIs have been identified in over one quarter of all incidences of AOM but presence of the virus in the middle ear as the pathogen is seldom identified. With improved identification techniques available, recovery of viruses is on the increase. Through direct culture there is a less ten percent rate of yield and RSV is the most frequently isolated virus followed by influenza virus from a distance. ELISA technique is used to detect any viral antigens present in aspirates from the middle ear; RSV is again leading virus detected (Donaldson, 2014). Immunologic factors also have a role to play in the incidences of the disease as well as its outcomes. There is a relationship between one’s body immune system and progression of the disease. Adequate antibody production clears the middle ear of pathogens following an attack and also prior exposure to the condition may suppress colonization hence preventing the disease. We will write a custom essay sample on Acute Otitis Media or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now As such any defect in the antibodies or their production may promote recurrence. IgG2 and IgG4 antibodies provide the immune defense needed for polysaccharide antigen attacks and as such their deficiency leaves one prone to the attacks by Otitis Media. This explains the higher risk of developing the disease in those patients with Down syndrome (Boggs, 2014). Epdidemiology. In America, at least 70% of the children are attacked with AOM one or more times by the second year. Research shows that occurrence of the condition at the sixth year of age is about 48%, the first year of life has a 79% occurrence rate while at the second year occurrence is 91%. AOM occurrences peak between the 3rd and 18th month of life though in some of the informant the disease may occur just shortly after birth and such infants are labeled prone to Otitis. A study conducted in Pittsburgh showed higher incidences in children from poor urban families. Patterns of variation in occurrence of disease among nations also show factors such climate, race and socioeconomic status playing a role. Demographically, susceptibility is highest between the 6th and 11th moths of life and a significant decline in frequency is seen between the18th and 20th moths. Boys have been found to show more incidences as compared to girls with a very small number of children developing the d isease between the 4th and 5th year of age.