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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 5/2006

01-10-2006 | Review Article

Mycetoma

A Review

Authors: Vanessa Lichon, Dr Amor Khachemoune

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 5/2006

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Abstract

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection that is present worldwide and endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection is caused by the traumatic inoculation of a fungus (eumycetoma) or a bacterium (actinomycetoma) and generally remains localized, causing cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue swelling, nodule formation, and drainage through sinus tracts. This review details the history of mycetoma, which may date as far back as the Byzantine period (300–600 AD), the epidemiology of the disease, which is characterized by an endemic region located between the latitudes of 15° south and 30° north, and the clinical presentation and treatment of mycetoma, focusing on the differences between eumycete and actinomycete infections. Diagnosis is established by identifying the type of grains found in the discharge, which guides treatment. Mycetoma caused by bacteria can usually be managed effectively with antibacterial medication alone, while infections with fungi require antifungal medication and surgery. Without proper treatment, mycetoma can lead to deformity, amputation, and death.
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Metadata
Title
Mycetoma
A Review
Authors
Vanessa Lichon
Dr Amor Khachemoune
Publication date
01-10-2006
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 5/2006
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200607050-00005

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