Otosclerosis--do we have a viral aetiology?

The etiology of otosclerosis remains an enigma though there are evidences suggesting a viral involvement. This study aimed to find out the relationship between viral infections and otosclerosis. Twenty two patients with otosclerosis and 10 healthy controls were included in the study. IgM antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV), measles, rubella, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) were detected using micro ELISA. Paul Bunnel Davidsohn test was performed to rule out Ebstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. Overall, 5(22.7%) patients showed antibodies to one or more viruses. IgM antibodies against measles and VZV could be demonstrated in 4(18.1%) and 1(4.5%) patients respectively. None of the samples were found to be positive for HSV, HCMV, rubella and EBV antibodies. Controls were negative for all the viruses tested. The difference in seropositivity between the patient and control group was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Thus, this study suggests that otosclerosis is not commonly associated with a systemic viral infection.