Definition: Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic fungal infection of the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx but occasionally involving the lips, palate, uvula, sinuses, larynx and skin. Aetiology:

1. Geographical distribution: Commonly seen in endemic areas of India, Sri-Lanka and Pakistan.
2. Age: Young males are usually affected.
3. Occupation: Persons having a close association with cattle and animals are usually affected.

Causative Organism: The disease is caused by the fungus Rhinosporidium Seeberi. This organism was previously considered to be a fungus, and rhinosporidiosis is classified as a fungal disease under ICD-10. It is now considered to be a protist classified under Mesomycetozoea. There are similarities between Dermocystidium and Rhinosporidium when using light microscopy, but substantial morphological differences between the groups exist. There is some evidence that DNA extracted from purified uncontaminated round bodies (Rhinosporidium seeberi) is of cyanobacterial origin. Modes of transmission: (a) Air borne: Dust dung of infected cattle. (b) Water borne: Bathing in contaminated waters. Symptoms: (1) Epistaxis with viscid nasal discharge. (2) Nasal Blockage. (3) Difficulty in swallowing can occur when the characteristic polyps grow posteriorly.