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Preface ix
Part 1. Immunology of Mucosal Surfaces
Mucosal Immunology of the Upper Airways: An Overview 1
The Microbial Ecology and Immunology of the Adenoid: Implications for Otitis Media 19
The Immunology of Host--Parasite Relationship in the Nasopharynx 32
Immunology of the Middle Ear: Role of Local and Systemic Antibodies in Clearance of Viruses and Bacteria 49
Part 2. Specific Immunologic Mechanisms in the Development of Otitis Media
The Role of IgE-mediated Immunity in Otitis Media: Fact or Fiction? 61
Immunological Deficiency in "Otitis-prone" Children 70
Are There Immunological or Genetic Markers that Can Predict Recurrent 82
Part 3. Immunologic and Inflammatory Mechanisms Causing Complications in Otitis Media
The Molecular Biology of Bone Resorption Due to Chronic Otitis Media 95
Interactions Between the Middle Ear and the Inner Ear: Bacterial Products 110
Effect of Streptomycin and Gentamicin on the Inner Ear 120
Effects of Inflammatory Mediators on Middle Ear Pathology and on Inner Ear Function 130
Role of Viruses in Middle-ear Disease 143
Summary: Recent Developments in the Immunology of Otitis Media 158
Part 4. Immunology of the Inner Ear
Immunopathology of the Inner Ear: An Update 166
Immune-mediated Sensorineural Hearing Loss with or without Endolymphatic Hydrops: A Clinical and Experimental Approach 179
Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Associated with Hearing Loss 187
Clinical Management of Immune-mediated Inner-ear Disease 203
The Cochlear Protein Antigens 28 kd and 30 kd, and Their Antibodies in Meniere's Disease 211
Part 5. Animal Models of Autoimmune Disease of the Inner Ear
Molecular Basis of Type II Collagen Autoimmune Ear Diseases 221
Lymphocyte Trafficking to the Inner Ear 236
The Endolymphatic Sac as the Immunocompetent Organ of the Inner Ear 243
Human Autoantibodies and Monoclonal Antibody KHRI-3 Bind to a Phylogenetically Conserved Inner-ear-supporting Cell Antigen 253
Induction of an Inner-ear-specific Autoreactive T-Cell Line for the Diagnostic Evaluation of an Autoimmune Disease of the Inner Ear 266
Part 6. Human Immunological and Viral Diseases of the Inner Ear
Auditory Findings in Subjects with Immunomediated Sensorineural Hearing Loss 277
Measles, Mumps, and Sensorineural Hearing Loss 291
Meniere's Disease and Autoimmunity 299
Viral Theory for Meniere's Disease and Endolymphatic Hydrops: Overview and New Therapeutic Options for Viral Labyrinthitis 306
Cytomegalovirus Antibodies in Endolymphatic Sac Biopsies of Patients with Endolymphatic Hydrops and Meniere's Disease 314
Sudden Hearing Loss in Childhood Consequent to Hepatitis B Vaccination: A Case Report 319
Screening Patients Affected by Common Variable Immunodeficiency 322
Summary: Progress in Inner-ear Immunology 326
Part 7. New Horizons in the Immunology of the Ear
Vaccination Against Middle-ear Bacterial and Viral Pathogens 330
Mechanisms of Recurrent Otitis Media: Importance of the Immune Response to Bacterial Surface Antigens 353
An Introduction to the Genetics of Normal and Defective Hearing 361
Index of Contributors 375