Trace elements in rhinoscleroma

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is directed towards demonstration of the possible changes present in the levels of three important trace elements affecting state of cell mediated immunity in the course of rhinoscleroma.50 rhinoscleroma patients were picked up from the outpatient clinic of ENT department in EL-Minia University Hospital, allover 18 months, 15 pathological contols as contols for the tissue levels of trace elements [the pathological controls were suffering from allergic nasal polypi].15 healthy controls as controls for the serum levels of trace elements The 3 trace elements [zinc, copper and iron] were estimated in serum and tissues of the scleroma patients and controls [healthy and pathological controls]. Results of this study -revealed that there were decrease in zinc level both in serum and tissues of patients more than in the controls. Also, we found hypercupraemia in the patients group than controls. Iron was found to be decreased in the patients than controls. From the above results we conclude that all scleroma patients better to be investigated for the trace elements as these elements play a very important role in cell mediated immunity. Also, may be there is a role of the nutritional aspect regarding to zinc and iron in the routine treatment of scleroma and in the prophylaxis from any immune deficiency in their contacts