Rhinosporidiosis
Definition: A chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi affecting both humans and animals.
Epidemiology & Etiology
- Geography: Most cases from India (South > North), Sri Lanka, Pakistan.
- Endemic Areas (India): Tamil Nadu, Kerala, MP, Chhattisgarh.
- Transmission: Contact with contaminated water (ponds frequented by cattle/horses).
- Agent: R. seeberi.
- Formerly considered a fungus.
- Now classified under DRIP clade (Protozoan/Fish parasite).
- Feature: Has not been cultured yet.
Life Cycle
The organism passes through three distinct stages:
1. Trophic Stage
(Small endospore 6-8µm, Chitin cover)
(Small endospore 6-8µm, Chitin cover)
↓
2. Development of Sporangium
(Large 200µm cyst, contains 12k-16k spores)
(Large 200µm cyst, contains 12k-16k spores)
↓
3. Rupture & Liberation
(Endospores released into tissue/blood)
(Endospores released into tissue/blood)
Clinical Features
- Site: Nose & Nasopharynx (Most common). Also affects eye (conjunctiva), lip, palate.
- Presentation:
- Leafy, polypoidal mass.
- Pink to purple in colour.
- Very vascular (Bleeds on touch).
- Frank Epistaxis may be the only presenting symptom.
🍓 Diagnostic Sign:
The surface is studded with White Dots (representing the underlying sporangia), giving it a strawberry-like appearance.
The surface is studded with White Dots (representing the underlying sporangia), giving it a strawberry-like appearance.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
- Biopsy: Shows sporangia (thick chitinous wall) filled with endospores.
- Note: Cannot be cultured.
Treatment
- Surgery (Mainstay): Complete excision with Diathermy knife + Cauterization of base.
- Risk: Recurrence is common.
- Medical: Dapsone (tried with limited success).
📚 Ref: Diseases of Ear, Nose & Throat (Dhingra)
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