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Rhinoscleroma

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis; scleroma; syphilis of the nose; nasal leprosy; scleroma neonatorum; srofulous lupus.

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous bacterial disease of the nose that can sometimes infect the upper respiratory tract. It most commonly affects the nasal cavity—the nose is involved in 95-100 per cent of cases—however, it can also affect the nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Slightly more females than males are affected and patients are usually 10 to 30 years of age. Rhinoscleroma is considered a tropical disease and is mostly endemic to Africa and Central America, less common in the United States.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Rhinoscleroma is not lethal in nature and is responsive to Tetracycline or Ciprofloxacin. However, if left untreated the disease can lead to sepsis, hemorrhage or other chronic conditions that can be fatal.

Medical Therapy

Rhinoscleroma is not lethal in nature and is responsive to Tetracycline or Ciprofloxacin.

References


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Historical Perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Historical Perspective

Hans von Hebra (1847–1902) wrote the classical description of the disease in a paper published in the January 1870 issue of the Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift. Hans von Hebra was the son of Czech born dermatologist Ferdinand Ritter von Hebra (1816–1880), founder of the New Vienna School of Dermatology. He was assisted by M. Kohn who provided much of the histology for the paper. M. Kohn is the birth name of Moritz Kaposi (1837–1902). In 1876, Mikulicz contributed to the microscopic histology. In 1882, Anton Von Frisch (1849–1917) discovered the gram-negative bacillus which causes the disease. Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis is sometimes referred to as the “Frisch bacillus,” named for Anton von Frisch.

References


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Pathophysiology

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References


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Causes
This page is about microbiologic aspects of the organism(s).  For clinical aspects of the disease, see Rhinoscleroma.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis is a subspecies of Klebsiella pneumoniae— a gram-negative, encapsulated, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacillus (diplobacillus), member of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is sometimes referred to as the “Frisch bacillus,” named for Anton von Frisch who identified the organism in 1882. It is contracted directly by droplets or by contamination of material that is subsequently inhaled.

References


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Differentiating Rhinoscleroma from other Diseases

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References


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Epidemiology and Demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Slightly more females than males are affected and patients are usually 10 to 30 years of age. Rhinoscleroma is considered a tropical disease and is mostly endemic to Africa and Central America, less common in the United States.

References


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Risk Factors

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References


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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Overview

Rhinoscleroma is not lethal in nature and is responsive to Tetracycline or Ciprofloxacin. However, if left untreated the disease can lead to sepsis, hemorrhage or other chronic conditions that can be fatal.

References


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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

Related Chapters
External links

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