From Mdwiki | Mycetoma | |
|---|---|
| Other names: Madura foot, maduramycosis[1] | |
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| Mycetoma foot | |
| Specialty | Infectious diseases |
| Symptoms | Triad: painless firm skin lump, multiple weeping sinuses, grainy discharge[1] |
| Usual onset | Slowly progressive[2] |
| Types |
|
| Diagnostic method | Ultrasound, fine needle aspiration[2] |
Mycetoma is a long-term infection deep in the skin, resulting in a triad of symptoms; painless firm skin lumps, weeping sinuses, and a discharge that contains grains.[1] 80% occur in feet.[2]
It is caused by either bacteria (actinomycetoma) or fungi (eumycetoma).[2] Most eumycetoma is caused by M. mycetomatis, whereas most actinomycetoma is caused by Nocardia brasiliensis, Streptomyces somaliensis, Actinomadura madurae and Actinomadura pelletieri.[2] People who develop mycetoma likely have a weakened immune system.[2] It can take between 3 months to 50 years from time of infection to first seeking healthcare advice.[2]
Diagnosis requires ultrasound and fine needle aspiration.[2]
While most cases of mycetoma occur in Sudan, Venezuela, Mexico, and India, its true prevalence and incidence are not well-known.[3][4] It appears most frequently in people living in rural areas, particularly farmers and shepherds; men between 20 and 40 years who tend to be the breadwinners.[2] It has been described in ancient Sanskrit scriptures as "anthill foot", and was reported by John Gill in 1842 in Madurai, India..[1] The disease is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease.[5]
Mycetoma's presentation is that of a small mass under the skin, usually in the lower extremities (foot)[6]
Frequent exposure to penetrating wounds by thorns or splinters is a risk factor.[7] This risk can be reduced by disinfecting wounds and wearing shoes.[8]
Mycetoma is caused by common saprotrophs found in the soil and on thorny shrubs in semi-desert climates.[8] The most common causative agents are:[2]
Infection is caused as a result of localized skin trauma, such as stepping on a needle or wood splinter, or through a pre-existing wound.[8]
The first visible symptom of mycetoma is a typically painless swelling beneath the skin; over several years, this will grow to a nodule (lump).[7] Affected people will experience massive swelling and hardening of the area, in addition to skin rupture and the formation of sinus tracts that discharge pus and grains filled with organisms.[7] In many instances, the underlying bone is affected.[9][8] Some people with mycetoma will not experience pain or discomfort, while others will report itching and/or pain.[7]
There are currently no rapid diagnostic tools for mycetoma.[4] Mycetoma is diagnosed through microscopic examination of the grains in the nodule and by analysis of cultures.[8] Since the bacterial form and the fungal form of mycetoma infection of the foot share similar clinical and radiological features, diagnosis can be a challenge.[3] Magnetic resonance imaging is a very valuable diagnostic tool. However, its results should be closely correlated with the clinical, laboratory and pathological findings.[9][10]
While treatment will vary depending on the cause of the condition, it may include antibiotics or antifungal medication.[7] Actinomycetoma, the bacterial form, can be cured with antibiotics.[3] Eumycetoma, the fungal form, is treated with antifungals.[10] Surgery in the form of bone resection may be necessary in late presenting cases or to enhance the effects of medical treatment.[9] In the more extensive cases amputation is another surgical treatment option.[11][8] For both forms, extended treatment is necessary.[3]
Mycetoma is endemic in some regions of the tropics and subtropics.[2] India, Sudan and Mexico are most affected.[2]
It has been described in ancient Sanskrit scriptures as "anthill foot", and was reported by John Gill in 1842 in India..[1]
It generally affects people living in poverty in rural regions.[2] It is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease.[4]
In cats, mycetoma can be treated with complete surgical removal. Antifungal drugs are rarely effective.[13]
Categories: [Animal fungal diseases] [Infectious diseases] [Neglected tropical diseases] [Tropical diseases]
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