Innate immunity gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and otitis media

Objective: Toll-like receptors (TLR) activate the innate immune system. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR genes are linked to increased susceptibility to infections. TLR4-deficient mice have increased incidence and duration of otitis media. We hypothesize that SNPs in TLR genes are more common in otitis-prone children than in children without a history of otitis media. Methods: Cases (n=70) included children undergoing surgery for otitis media. Control subjects (n=70) included children undergoing surgery for non-otologic indication. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. RT-PCR genotyping was performed for TLR2 (rs5743708), TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791), TLR9 (rs5743836 & rs187084), and CD14 (rs2569190). Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in family history, day care, smoke exposure, allergies or prevalence of the SNPs. The most common pre-op diagnosis in control subjects was obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Conclusions: TLR2, TLR4, TLR9 and CD14 gene SNPs were not more prevalent in otitis-prone children.