It can also lead to hearing loss which in some cases becomes permanent. Work is going on to find the reason why this infection affects some children but does not affect others. The clinical trials for this new potential vaccine could start by next year, the researchers announced on Tuesday.

Ear infections are one of the most common causes of childhood illnesses occurring in the United States, seconded only to the common cold. In the United States, almost 83 percent of children have had one or more ear infections by the time they are three years old. Although not fatal, ear infections can result in either temporary or in some cases permanent hearing loss.

Temporary hearing loss can also bring about setbacks in childhood development, particularly when there are several bouts of infection in one single year. Visits to doctor's clinic and emergency rooms are also an outcome of these infections leading to use of antibiotics. Earlier studies have indicated that an overuse of antibiotics may help the bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.

Lead researcher Dr. Michael Pichichero, M.D., professor of Microbiology, Immunology, Pediatrics, and Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said: "We are now in an era where we look to vaccines that make life better." "Middle ear infection, or otitis media, is the No. 1 reason that children receive antibiotic treatment following a doctor's office visit, and we believe it can be prevented through vaccination." "We expect to explain how some kids naturally protect themselves, and to package that protection for those who can't," he added.

The new vaccine will target the bacteria Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae or NTHi, which at present is the foremost cause of ear and also sinus infections and adult bronchitis. It is also responsible for Acute otitis media. A team of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center will study 400 infants of age 2 months who have been categorized into three different groups – one group of infants who have had no otitis media infections, another group who have had a few infections, and a third group who has had many infections. Blood samples and mucus samples will be collected from all the infants and their immune systems will be studied to determine how natural immunity against otitis media is gained and to create a vaccine to offer protection from a broad range of bacterial strains.

For the development of the new vaccine The University of Rochester has won a grant of $3.5-million from the National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders.

By Darya Zarin
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/8999.html