Chlidren with recurrent otitis show defective IFN gamma-producing cells in adenoids

Infectious diseases are frequently observed in children and their recurrence represents a demanding challenge for the paediatrician. It has been hypothesized that a defective immune response may occur in these patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether children presenting with recurrent otitis have a defective interferon (IFN)gamma production by the lymphocytes of peripheral blood and of adenoid tissue, in comparison with children without recurrent otitis.The results showed that the reduced capability of the adenoid cells to produce INF-gamma may induce a high susceptibility to the recurrence of otitis in children.