Quantitative study of germinal center area in normal and diseased tonsils using image analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure the germinal center area of secondary follicles in a consistent and unbiased manner using image analysis. Tonsil specimens were obtained from children with clinical evidence of recurrent tonsillitis and/or idiopathic tonsillar hypertrophy. Normal control biopsy specimens were obtained from children with no history of ear, nose, or throat infections. The results show a significant increase in the germinal center area in tonsils exhibiting hypertrophy when compared to normal controls (p < .002). Image analysis is an important tool for making quantitative size comparisons in lymphoid tissues.