SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19 disease, can act as a silent reservoir and be present in the middle ear for a month post-infection, according to a new study.
The study, published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology,
found a potential association between the Covid virus and patients developing
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) in patients who suffered a bout of Omicron.
OME is a collection of fluid in the middle ear that may be thick
or sticky. Cold, sore throat or upper respiratory infection makes the fluid
accumulate in the eardrum and can also cause
temporary hearing impairment. It is most common among children
between the age group of 3 to 7 years.
“Our study highlights the potential effects of Covid-19 on the
middle ear, suggesting a link between SARS-CoV-2 and OME onset,” said Chengzhou
Han, from Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital in China, in the paper.
“The virus, a significant contributor to OME, is detectable in the
middle ear nearly a month post-Omicron infection, indicating a potential
alteration in OME treatment strategies and a risk of recurrence, emphasising
the necessity for otolaryngologist vigilance,” Han added.
The study, conducted from January to June 2023, included 23
patients (32-84 years) who presented OME post-Omicron infection, with 21
exhibiting unilateral symptoms.
The median duration from infection to sampling was 21 days. Fluid
accumulation was observed in 88.0 per cent of ears. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in
12 per cent samples, with cycle threshold values ranging between 25.65 and
33.30.
“Our research unveils compelling evidence pointing to the
potential otological manifestation of OME in the aftermath of a Covid-19
infection. These findings underscore a conceivable link between SARS-CoV-2
infection and the emergence of OME, emphasising the diverse implications of the
SARS-CoV-2 virus,” the researchers said.
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