Research protocol:
Simultaneous Random collection of sample from Nasopharynx as well as from aural discharge from the suspected patients( may be positive of COVID _19 ) with Otitis Media. Collection of sample from aural discharge is being tested by RT PCR. Results are being recorded in tabulated form for research purpose.
Theoretically yes. Any virus or bacteria can travel from nasopharynx to middle ear through eustachian tube. As COVID 19 is frequently detected from the nasopharynx, it is high chance that it can also be isolated from middle ear.
Anatomically there is no barrier preventing this. However, in our Department one of my colleagues runs research on cadaveric specimens COVID positive to investigate the presence of the virus in the middle ear cleft. Please, keep in touch for the results. Not clear timeline as yet.
we saw many children with this situation and we will do virus check, but still no cases with middle ear discharge yet
There is no obvious reason as to why it shouldn't and the only way to find out is to investigate although sample collection may well be very difficult.