Mycetoma (Chronic inflammatory swelling)- Madura Foot ; Causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Mycetoma is a chronic, progressively destructive infectious disease that affects the skin, deep tissues, and bones. It is caused by either bacteria (actinomycetoma) or fungi (eumycetoma) and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions2.

Key Features of Mycetoma
Slow-growing subcutaneous mass

Multiple draining sinuses

Discharge containing grains (which help identify the causative organism)

Bone involvement in advanced cases

Causes & Risk Factors
Bacterial causes: Nocardia brasiliensis, Actinomadura madurae, Streptomyces somaliensis

Fungal causes: Madurella mycetomatis

Risk factors: Walking barefoot, agricultural work, thorn pricks, poor hygiene2

Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis: Ultrasound, fine needle aspiration, microbiological culture

Treatment:

Actinomycetoma – Long-term antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole)

Eumycetoma – Antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole)

Surgical intervention for severe cases

#Mycetoma