Rhinosprodiosis: Analysis Of Cases Presenting To A Tertiary Care Hospital In Nepal

BACKGROUND: Described first by Seeberi in 1900, Rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It involves nasal mucosa, and is seen in both humans and animals. It is a waterborne disease endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is also common in Nepal in the Terai belt, but a review of the literature did not reveal any study with respect to the clinicopathological profile of Rhinosporidiosis. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinicopathological profile of Rhinosporidiosis in eastern Nepal. METHODOLOGY: The study included 84 cases of Rhinosporidiosis over a period of 4 years. All were diagnosed on a clinical basis. All subjects were treated surgically by wide excision and electrocautery, and the specimens were sent for histopatholgical examination. Dapsone was given to all patients with recurrence. Subjects were followed up for complications, outcome and recurrence. OBSERVATION: The study was carried out over a period of 4 years with patients being between 7 and 54 years of age. The disease has a male preponderance with an average duration of symptoms of 4 years. All patients had a history of bathing in rivers or ponds that were also used by their cattle. 19 cases were recurrent.CONCLUSION: The study reflects the endemicity of this disease in eastern Nepal and related border areas adjoining India. It is rare in the hilly region of Nepal. High incidence is particularly noticed in those bathing in ponds accessed by cattle, and raising public awareness regarding this disease would go a long way in decreasing its incidence.