RHINOSPORIDIUM (INTERMEDIATE MYCOSES)

Question 1

Describe Rhinosporidium spp.

Answer 1

Causes chronic infection of the nasal and ocular mucosa often characterized by polypoid growths

Question 2

What is the animal pathogen?

Answer 2

R. seeberi

Question 3

What is the morphology feature?

Answer 3

• This is not a dimorphic fungus
• The sporangia filled with endospores
• Endospores leave sporangia with an exit pore

Question 4

Growth characteristics?

Answer 4

• Cannot grow in artificial media
• Can grow in tissue culture

Question 5

Reservoirs?

Answer 5

1. Saprophytic reservoir
2. Aquatic reservoir

Question 6

Pathogenesis of Rhinosporidiosis ?

Answer 6

• Formation of single or multiple polyps in nasal epithelium
• Polypoid growths maybe pedunculated or sessile pink in color and usually smaller than 3 cm in diameter
• Polypoid growths are soft, friable, with lobulate surface (cauliflower appearance) and bleed easily
• Stertorous breathing in infected animals
• Blood-stain, mucopurulent nasal discharges
• Chronic infections of nasal and ocular mucosa

Question 7

Host range?

Answer 7

cattle, horses, mules, dogs, goats, geese and ducks

Question 8

Source of samples?

Answer 8

Polyps

Question 9

Agent ID?

Answer 9

Demonstration of the spore or sporangia from nasal exudates or in the tissues

Question 10

Treatment?

Answer 10

Surgical removal of the polypoid and cauterization of its base.