Rhinosporidiosis–An Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Rhinosporidiosis is a very common and hazardous problem of the South-east Asian region, which involves not only nose but also some other body areas. Though it's a very old disease, its post-operative recurrence is high and public awareness for eradication or control of the disease is not yet sufficient. Aim: To assess the epidemiological data, clinical presentations, and recurrences of Rhinosporidiosis so that physicians can be guided to diagnose and treat the patients, and health education can be given to peoples of endemic areas to reduce the prevalence and spread of the disease. Materials and Methods: It is an observational study done in the ENT Department of Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, from March 2018 to February 2020. The sign-symptoms of the disease, rate of recurrence and outcomes of surgery, recurrence rate, etc. were analyzed. Results: A very strong correlation was found between the disease and bathing at canals or ponds. Young Male gender was found significantly related to the disease. Almost all the patients came from low or middle socioeconomic society. Epistaxis with chronic nasal obstruction or nasal mass was found as the commonest clinical presentation. Conclusion: Rhinosporidiosis is highly associated with rural residence, young male adults, and low socioeconomic status of the patients. The post-operative recurrence rate is high .adequate surgical excision with wide base cauterization can reduce the recurrence rate. Social awareness programs and health education programs among the people of the endemic zone can reduce the incidence of the disease.