Rhinosporiodosis

  

Rhinosporidium seeberi is a pathogenic microorganism responsible for the disease rhinosporidiosis, which primarily affects the mucous membranes of the nose, conjunctiva, and other sites. 

Although originally thought to be a fungus, Rhinosporidium seeberi is now classified in the class Mesomycetozoea — a group of aquatic protists at the animal-fungal boundary.

The discovery of rhinosporidiosis is historically linked to Argentina, where the disease was first described — though the condition became more widely recognized and studied in India.

First Case Description:

• Guillermo Seeber reported a case of a nasal polypoid growth in a patient.
• Histopathology revealed large sporangia containing endospores.
• He initially thought it was a protozoan infection, similar to Coccidia.

Published Work:

• Seeber published his observations in 1900 in the journal Anales del Círculo Médico Argentino.
• Title (translated): “A case of coccidial rhinitis in humans”.

  The organism later became known as Rhinosporidium seeberi, named in his honor

• Spores are the infective units.
• Spread occurs through traumatized epithelium (e.g., nasal mucosa).
• Common in South India and Sri Lanka, affecting people in ponds or stagnant water bodies.

  

 

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