Acute Measles Infection in the Hamster Cochlea

Abstract

Measles virus has been implicated in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in adults as well as in children. Furthermore, sensorineural hearing loss following live measles virus vaccination has been reported. As of yet, however, there has been only few reports on human temporal bone pathology due to measles, and on experimental animal models of measles infection. This study was undertaken to examine acute measles infection in adult hamster cochlea morphologically and immunohistochemically for precise understanding of this viral infection. Atrophy of the stria vascularis, loss of the organ of Corti, “rolled-up” tectorial membrane, and cell infiltration with a positive immunofluorescent reaction primarily within the scale media indicating endolymphatic labyrinthitis were the principal findings. These results were generally consistent with previous ones on human temporal bone pathology not only due to measles but also to SNHL. We consider measles virus to be one of the possible pathogens, even if low in frequency, causing profound and irreversible hearing loss, including SNHL. Completion of measles vaccination without complication and selective or mass revaccination may be necessary to prevent such hearing loss.

Key Words:

• measles virus
• viral labyrinthitis
• sensorineural hearing loss