Detailed Information on Mycetoma

Mycetoma is a chronic, granulomatous disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which sometimes involves muscle, bones, and neighboring organs. The infection is characterized by an abnormal tissue mass beneath the skin, formation of cavities within the mass, and a fluid discharge. It is characterized by tumefaction, abscess formation, and fistulae. It typically affects the lower extremities, but it can occur in almost any region of the body. Mycetoma predominately occurs in farm workers, but it can also occur in the general population.

Mycetomas are localized infections that include cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and bone. Lesions consist of abscesses, granulomata, and draining sinuses. Mycetoma is found in Brazil, Mexico, the She, in pan-Arabia, and in semi-arid areas of India. It is also found in the United States. The disease is usually acquired while performing agricultural work. The disease is acquired by contacting grains of bacterial or fungal spores that have been discharged onto the soil. Infection usually involves an open area or break in the skin. Pseudoallescheria boydii is one of many fungi spp. that causes the fungal form of madura foot.

The disease is characterized by a yogurt-like discharge upon maturation of the infection. Hematogenous or lymphatic spread is rare. Infections normally start in the foot or hand and travel up the leg or arm. Mycetoma is most common in persons aged 20-50 years. Mycetoma is more common in men than in women. There are two known forms of mycetoma. The two forms of mycetoma are bacterial mycetoma and fungal mycetoma.  The symptoms of Mycetoma include cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, unintentional weight loss and fever. Mycetoma does not resolve without active treatment.

The bleeding can then be stopped by shooting tiny pellets into the bleeding vessel. Surgery is another option to control bleeding, and is often the only choice if there is life-threatening bleeding. Netilmicin can be employed in cases resistant to amikacin. Other antimicrobials, such as minocycline, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, streptomycin, imipenem, and rifampin, have also been used with variable success.  Prevention is better than cure. People who have had related lung infections or who have weakened immune systems should try to avoid environments where the aspergillus fungus is found.