Case Report: Rhinosporidiosis Literature Review

Abstract

Rhinosporidiosis is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, a pathogen currently considered a fungus-like parasite of the eukaryotic group Mesomycetozoea. It is usually a benign condition, with slow growth of polypoid lesions, with involvement of the nose, nasopharynx, or eyes. The clinical characteristics of a painless, friable, polypoid mass, usually unilateral, can guide the diagnosis, but the gold standard for diagnosis is histopathological findings. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathobiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approach for rhinosporidiosis.

Nasal rhinosporidiosis masquerading as pyogenic granuloma in a pediatric patient at a Zonal Referral Hospital in Central Tanzania: Case report

“…This might indicate the existence of predisposing factors in the host where the possibility of nonspecific immune reactivity in the host, blood group, and HLA types has been suggested as important in the pathogenesis of Rhinosporidium seeberi and also in the establishment of an initial focus of infection. 19,20 Since rhinosporidiosis has an indolent course, lesions may be present for many years before patients become symptomatic 7,19,20 and this appears similar to what was seen in our patient who reported a history of nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis for 2 years.…”

“…The disease has been reported from about 70 countries with diverse geographical features. 7 The infrequently, isolated cases are reported in other parts of the world and are mainly due to migration. 2,9 The disease is more common in younger age groups from the available literatures and being more common in men than women with male to female ratio being 4:1.…”

“…Rhinosporidiosis tends to occur in human beings and in animals and is more common in hot tropical climates though highly endemic in India and Sri Lanka. [6][7][8][9] Sporadic pattern for the disease has been reported in other parts of the world such as Argentina, Brazil and Africa. 9 In terms of race and sex predilection, there is no racial predominance and males are more affected than females, especially those aged 15-40 years with male to female ratio being 4:1.…”

“…2,10,11 Rhinosporidiosis may be transmitted by direct contact with spores through dust, infected clothing, and swimming in stagnant water. 7,8,12,13 However, the disease remains to be very rare in our country; yet, there are some countries that have reported several cases including Nigeria. 8 The diagnosis of nasal rhinosporidiosis is established by observing the characteristics of the causative organisms in nasal tissue biopsies like sporangia that may be at variable stages of maturation.…”

“…In terms of race and sex predilection, there is no racial predominance and males are more affected than females, especially those aged 15–40 years with male to female ratio being 4:1 2,10,11 . Rhinosporidiosis may be transmitted by direct contact with spores through dust, infected clothing, and swimming in stagnant water 7,8,12,13 . However, the disease remains to be very rare in our country; yet, there are some countries that have reported several cases including Nigeria 8 .…”