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The middle ear is a membrane-lined sinus space deep within the temporal bone. Within this space are the three small ear bones (stapes, malleus and incus) which are involved in the conduction of sound from the ear drum to the inner ear. During infections fluid accumulates within the middle ear and this condition is termed otitis media with effusion. The causes of otitis media with effusion are varied, but bacterial infection and blockages of the eustachian tube, the connection between middle ear and pharynx, are often implicated. Previous studies have been largely unable to document the presence of viruses within middle ear effusion in either chronic or acutely infected ears. This study was able to study the effusions drawn from a group of 100 consecutive children who were referred to a specialty clinic with otitis media with effusion. From this group 61 patients were entered into the study. Chemical analysis for antibodies produced by the body against viruses demonstrated that 5 of the children showed infections with rhinovirus (common cold viruses), and an additional child was positive for adenovirus (a more virulent respiratory virus). Evidence of bacterial infection was also documented in 20 of 61 patients. The study suggests that rhinovirus may be involved in the pathogenic process that leads to otitis media with effusion and that the virus may be present in the ear for a considerable period of time before the condition becomes symptomatic. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)