Mycetoma: Chronic Subcutaneous Infection

Clinical Features of Mycetoma

• Characterized by localized swelling, formation of pus, and discharge of grains through the skin.
• Chronic condition that can lead to deformities and bone damage if untreated.
• Areas typically affected include the feet and hands, common in rural regions.

Primary Cause

• Mycetoma is primarily caused by infectious agents, specifically bacteria (actinomycetoma) and fungi (eumycetoma).

Causative Agents Location

• Causative agents are normally found in soil and decaying organic matter, commonly in tropical and subtropical climates.

Actinomycetoma vs. Eumycetoma

• Actinomycetoma is caused by bacteria, while eumycetoma is caused by fungi.
• The distinguishing factor lies in the type of pathogen: actinomycetes vs. true fungi.

Microcolonies in Mycetoma

• Microcolonies of the agent embedded in tissue material are known as "grains."

Distinguishing Features of Actinomycetomas

• Actinomycetomas typically produce smaller, colored grains, often appearing white to yellow.

Granules Embedded in Tissue

• Granules containing microcolonies are referred to simply as "granules."

Fungal Mycetoma

• Eumycetoma is the type of mycetoma caused by fungal agents.

Key Distinctions

• Key distinctions between actinomycetomas and eumycetomas include the type of pathogen involved and the morphology of the grains produced.

Test your knowledge about the clinical features and causative agents of mycetoma, a chronic subcutaneous infection resulting from traumatic inoculation with certain soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria.