Adenovirus serotype 1 does not act synergistically with Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis to induce otitis media in the chinchilla

Abstract

A chinchilla model of otitis media in which adenovirus compromise of the tubotympanum facilitates the subsequent induction of middle ear disease was used to investigate Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis pathogenesis. Intranasally inoculated M. catarrhalis did readily colonize the nasopharynx of this host; however, despite evidence of viral infection and tubotympanal compromise, M. catarrhalis did not induce culture-positive otitis media in this model.