Some biochemical, immunological and electron microscopy findings in rhinoscleroma

ABSTRACT

To investigate the immunological and biochemical aspects with cellular changes in rhinoscleroma, 40 patients and matched 10 apparently healthy controls were studied. Results of tuberculin testing, total rosette test, active rosette test and leukocyte migration inhibition test were lower than controls and were statistically significant. The mean serum levels of zinc and iron were decreased, while mean serum copper level was increased and these were statistically significant, specially in late cases. Mikulicz cells, Russel bodies and fibroblasts were detected by electron microscopy examination. Thus, the cell-mediated immunity condition and trace elements levels should be evaluated in every rhinoscleroma patient