IgA and Differentiation-associated Transcription Factors in Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion

Inadequate antibody responses to pathogens may lead to the recurrence of otitis media with effusion (OME). Although B-cell production by antibodies is controlled by transcription factors, the status of these factors has not been assessed in patients with OME. Expression of immunoglobulin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of transcription factors Bcl-6, Blimp-1, Pax-5, and XBP-1 was assessed by RT-PCR in the middle-ear fluid of 29 children with >4 OME episodes in 12 months or >3 episodes in 6 months (the OME-prone group) and in 32 children with