Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Synapse in the Human System Using Imaging Flow Cytometry
Published on: January 7, 2019
Social geography of Rhinoscleroma and qualitatively and quantitatively abnormal cell-mediated immunity
Massimo Fusconi1, Antonio Greco1, Carlo Guglielmo Cattaneo1
1Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Rhinoscleroma is a progressive chronic granulomatous disease of the upper respiratory tract that may extend to the tracheobronchial tract. It is common belief that the pathology is determined by Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis. In the authors' opinion, the infection with Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis may not represent the only etiopathogenic factor of the disease. Rhinoscleroma is reported in many countries, but has a peculiar social and geographic distribution, in that it assumes an endemic character only in some regions of the Middle East, West Russia, North Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America. In Europe, most of the cases are reported in Poland, Hungary and Romania. In Italy, Rhinoscleroma is almost exclusively located in the southern and island regions. Rhinoscleroma is predominantly reported in rural areas, in the presence of poor socio-economic conditions, which according to many authors would be a co-factor triggering the disease. In this article, the authors review some inconsistencies in etiology, histology and epidemiology of Rhinoscleroma. Based on the overall picture, they propose that intrinsic factors, possibly of genetic origin, may give rise to the disease, and suggest possible lines of research to distinguish between extrinsic and intrinsic factors as determinants for Rhinoscleroma.
Insights
Rhinoscleroma, a chronic respiratory disease, may involve more than just Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis infection. The authors suggest intrinsic, possibly genetic, factors could play a role alongside environmental influences.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Rhinoscleroma is a progressive granulomatous disease affecting the upper respiratory and tracheobronchial tracts.
- Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis is widely considered the primary causative agent.
- The disease exhibits a distinct geographic and social distribution, often linked to poor socio-economic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review inconsistencies in the etiology, histology, and epidemiology of Rhinoscleroma.
- To propose alternative or contributing factors beyond Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis infection.
- To suggest research directions for differentiating extrinsic and intrinsic disease determinants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Rhinoscleroma cases and research.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, including geographic and socio-economic factors.
- Critical evaluation of current etiological and pathological understanding.
Main Results:
- Identified inconsistencies in the established etiology of Rhinoscleroma.
- Highlighted the peculiar endemic patterns and socio-economic correlations.
- Acknowledged the role of Klebsiella Rhinoscleromatis but questioned its sole responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Rhinoscleroma's pathogenesis may involve intrinsic factors, potentially genetic.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
- A multifactorial etiology, including host factors, is proposed for Rhinoscleroma.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
03:46Qualitative Analysis
For instance, group IV...
01:10Qualitative Analysis
There are two main approaches to qualitative analysis:...
00:52Social Proof
02:10Social Scripts