To assess if the NLRP3 inflammasome activation is suppressed when macrophages are reduced in CSOM, we measured the mRNA level of NRLP3 complex factors including NLRP3, Pycard, Caspase-1 and its downstream cytokine IL-1β and IL-18 using qRT-PCR. The gene discussed is IL18; the disease is chronic purulent otitis media.