Retroanalytical Study of Epidemiological Factors of Rhinosporidiosis

Sairah Mathew1, Ripu Daman Arora2, Neel Prabha3

  • 1All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.

Insights

Rhinosporidiosis, a granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium Seeberi, disproportionately affects males from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Pond bathing and O+ blood group were identified as significant risk factors in this Indian study.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium Seeberi.
  • The disease is endemic in specific regions of India, including Chhattisgarh.
  • Understanding host risk factors is crucial for managing and preventing rhinosporidiosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of rhinosporidiosis.
  • To identify specific host risk factors associated with rhinosporidiosis in a tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, record-based study was conducted.
  • Data from 55 histologically confirmed rhinosporidiosis patients treated between November 2014 and November 2016 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The study included 55 patients, with 87% males and 12% females.
  • A high prevalence (92.73%) was observed in individuals of lower socioeconomic status.
  • History of pond bathing and O+ blood group were common among the affected individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Rhinosporidiosis in this cohort was strongly associated with male gender, young to middle age, and lower socioeconomic status.
  • Rural background, pond bathing habits, and O+ blood group emerged as significant risk factors.
  • These findings highlight the importance of environmental and host factors in the epidemiology of rhinosporidiosis.