RESPIRATORY-TRACT VIRUSES IN OTOSCLEROTIC LESIONS - AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

A series of viral antigens, including adenovirus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza types 1 and 3, measles, mumps, respiratory syncytial (RSV) and Epstein Barr (EBV) viruses was studied in a prospective series of stapes specimens from 24 consecutive patients operated on for otosclerosis. The stapes specimens were processed for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry- With the exception of one case of positive specific reactivity for anti-RSV antibody in one multinuclear osteoclastic cell, no specific reactivity was seen in the specimens. This was the case both in active (n = 8) and inactive (n = 16) otosclerotic lesions. The possibility of unspecific staining reactions is discussed.