PREVALENCE OF RHINOSPORIDIOSIS OF THE EYE AND ITS ADNEXA IN NEPAL

This study describes the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment o f rhinosporidiosis of the eye and its adnexa in a series of 76 cases i n Nepal and six originating in India. The disease caused by the fungus Rhinosporidium seeberi was seen most frequently in young children bet ween eight and 10 years of age. Males were infected more than females (2.5:1). The conjunctiva was the most common site of infection in 76 ( 92.68%) of the cases. The lacrimal sac was affected only in six (7.32% ) cases. Simple total excision of the conjunctival polyps gave highly satisfactory results in cases of conjunctival sac infections. Except f or one patient, there were no recurrences in the 76 cases. Meticulous excision of polyps provided a satisfactory result in the treatment of six cases with lacrimal sac infection. Recurrence was noted in one of these six cases followed up to two and a half years after surgery. The conditions diagnosed clinically were confirmed by histopathology. Thi s review of 82 cases is the first such report of rhinosporidiosis from Nepal.