Clinical update on rhinoscleroma

Rhinoscleroma is recognized more frequently now because of the recent influx of immigrants from endemic Central America. This chronic infectious disease presents with three overlapping clinical stages and can involve any part of the respiratory tract. A review of the clinical presentation leads to a patient evaluation plan consisting of physical examination and radiographic studies. A highly sensitive and specific method is introduced for identification of Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis in the biopsy specimen using the immunoperoxidase technique. A study of the immune status of the patient revealed general immunological competence except in effective phagocytosis of the organism by the Mikulicz cells. The choice of chronic antibiotic therapy should be guided by individual patient consideration with respect to age and sex. Repeat biopsies help determine the duration of antibiotic therapy. Relapses do occur and close observation is the key to long-term follow-up of the patient.