[1][2] This organism was previously considered to be a fungus, and rhinosporidiosis is classified as a fungal disease under ICD-10.

[4] Authors of detailed studies have revealed superficial similarities between Dermocystidium and Rhinosporidium when using light microscopy, but substantial morphological differences between the groups exist.

[5] There is some evidence that DNA extracted from purified uncontaminated round bodies (Rhinosporidium seeberi) is of cyanobacterial origin.

[6] Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous disease affecting the mucous membrane of nasopharynx, oropharynx, conjunctiva, rectum and external genitalia.

After inoculation, the organism replicates locally, resulting in hyperplasia of host tissue and localised immune response.