title: Socio-demographic Correlates of Rhinosporidiosis: A Hospital-Based Epidemiologic Study in Purulia, India.
abstract: The present paper attempts to explore the socio-demographic profile of patients with rhinosporidiosis in an endemic area. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary-care hospital in Purulia district, India, including consecutive patients with histologically-proved rhinosporidiosis. Their socio-demographic profiles were obtained through a pre-designed proforma with given epidemiologic parameters. Data was statistically analyzed with inputs from literature review. Of the 39 patients included, 87 % were fresh/new cases. The age-group of 10-20 years was mostly involved, with multiple peaks around 50. About 82 % were from rural background, commonly involved in cattle farming and agriculture, with a universal habit of pond-bathing. There was a male preponderance; however women were being increasingly affected. Nasal cavity was the predominant site involved; nasal obstruction and epistaxis were the primary complaints. About 13 % had recurrent lesions that were statistically related to higher age-group (≥15 years) and occupation (agriculture, labor). Rhinosporidiosis is predominantly the disease of young rural adults engaged in field activities and habituated to pond-bathing. A bimodal age distribution was noticed. The present article provides an update on the socio-demographic perspectives of rhinosporidiosis in an endemic zone. It also summarizes the factors that would identify the vulnerable population and help formulate preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, 88, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India.
authors.forename: Sirshak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital, Bankura, West Bengal India.
authors.forename: Dibakar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Haldar
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, 88, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India.
authors.forename: Mainak
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dutta
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Debra Multi/Superspeciality Hospital, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal India.
authors.forename: Sabyasachi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barik
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal India.
authors.forename: Kaustuv
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Das Biswas
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, 88, College Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073 India.
authors.forename: Ramanuj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sinha
keywords: Epidemiology; Rhinosporidiosis; Rhinosporidium seeberi