RHINOSPORIDIOSIS: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Nazia Aziz Ahmed,
Dept. of ENT, MES Medical College,
Malaparamba, Palachode P.O,
Kolathur (Via), Perinthalmanna,
Malappuram Dist., Pin – 679338.
Email- fajarummar@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION: Rhinosporidiosis is a sporadic disease in different parts of our country which affects both man and animals. It chiefly affects the mucous membrane of nose and less frequently in other organs like conjunctiva, larynx, genitalia etc. So far there is no known medical treatment though systemic therapy with dapsone over a prolonged period is found to delay the recurrence. The only definitive management is surgical excision with high recurrence rates which leads to financial burden and psychological stress to the patients. AIMS: 1.To assess the proportion of rhinosporidiosis cases among the total nasal masses operated in our hospital. 2. To identify the demographic distribution of the cases in Malappuram district. 3. To evaluate the age and sex preponderance of these cases. 4. To compare this study with similar studies conducted in India as to stress on the endemic nature of this disease in our district.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational prospective study. 54 rhinosporidiosis cases operated in our hospital during July 1 2009 - Dec 31 2012 are included in this study. Cases from outside the state were excluded from this survey. RESULTS: Among the 504 nasal masses operated in our hospital in a period of 3.5 yrs, 54 cases (10.71%) were confirmed as rhinosporidiosis. The survey showed an age preponderance to the age group 21-35years and majority (88%) were males. Among the 6 taluks of this district the majority of cases were reported from taluks of Perinthalmanna (31%), Ernad (22%) and Tirur (20 %). The study revealed the endemic nature of this disease in Malappuram district and the careful history revealed frequent pond baths by all the patients. CONCLUSION: This survey evaluates the epidemiological aspects and revealed the endemic nature of this disease in Malappuram district and points towards the need for health education regarding the preventive measures as the treatment options at hand are inadequate at present.

KEYWORDS: Rhinosporidiosis,epidemiology, nasal masses, Malappuram district.