Efficacies of 35.6% and 35.3% have previously been shown [31] against all H. influenzae and NTHi otitis media episodes with a prototype pneumococcal vaccine conjugated to the H influenzae protein D. This protein is present in capsulated and non-capsulated isolates and hence may potentially protect against AOM episodes caused by these agents. The gene discussed is DHRS2; the disease is otitis media.