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Published on: December 3, 2017
[Morphogenesis of Mikulicz's cells (electron-optic study)]
Abstract:
In a female aged 83 who had been living in Prague for years, a bioptic diagnosis of rhinoscleroma was made. The disease responded well to Septrin treatment. Electron microscopical examination confirmed the histiocytic origin of Mikulicz cells, but cast doubt upon the belief that the large phagocytic cysts in such cells developed by confluence of smaller vacuoles. The examination revealed that the large cystic formations only contained Klebsiellae and a dense finely granular material identical with that of the bacterial capsiles. The small vacuoles found in the vicinity of the large ones never contained bacteria and their contents was either coarsely granular of finely filamentous. Therefore it rather corresponded to degradation products of the original content of the larger phagocytic cysts. The final picture of the Mikulicz cell are macrophages with only small light rounded vacuoles containing mucoid but no Klebsiellae.
Insights
Rhinoscleroma, a rare bacterial infection, was diagnosed in an elderly patient. Electron microscopy revealed Mikulicz cells contain Klebsiellae, challenging previous theories on cyst formation.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Mikulicz cells are characteristic histiocytic cells found in rhinoscleroma.
- The exact origin and development of vacuoles within Mikulicz cells remain incompletely understood.
Observation:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine Mikulicz cells from a patient diagnosed with rhinoscleroma.
- The study investigated the contents and formation of vacuoles within these cells.
- Klebsiellae were identified within large cystic formations in the Mikulicz cells.
Findings:
- Histiocytic origin of Mikulicz cells was confirmed.
- Large cystic formations contained Klebsiellae and granular material similar to bacterial capsules.
- Smaller vacuoles lacked bacteria and contained degradation products, suggesting they are not precursors to larger cysts.
- The final state of Mikulicz cells showed macrophages with vacuoles containing mucoid, not Klebsiellae.
Implications:
- This study refines the understanding of Mikulicz cell pathology in rhinoscleroma.
- Findings challenge existing hypotheses regarding the development of phagocytic cysts within these cells.
- The research provides a more accurate ultrastructural description of Mikulicz cells in rhinoscleroma.
