Middle ear infections originate in the throat - organisms pass up eustachian tube. More common in children because of the shorter eustachian tube, at a different angle. Sometimes put little tubes through the tympanic membrane to promote drainage. Grow best at 33-34 o C, such as in the nasal epithelium. At least 113 types of rhinovirus.
Immunity is short lived, so no vaccines are yet available.
Latest tactic for a cold vaccine - try to develop antibodies against the virus receptor on nasal epithelium. In infants and children, cause croup - acute obstruction of larynx. Diseases of the lower respiratory tract A. Bacterial diseases 1. Whooping cough - caused by Bordetella pertussis. Highly contagious - strains in US less virulent.