Mycetoma is a chronic slow-growing infection which comes in either bacterial (actinomycetoma) or fungal (eumycetoma) form. Infection begins most often in the foot, probably after a cut allows the bacteria or fungus to enter from the soil or animal dung, and it can spread to other parts of the body. It slowly, progressively, and initially painlessly, destroys subcutaneous tissues. Mycetoma affects skin, muscle and bone, causing severe disability.
The causative organisms of mycetoma are distributed worldwide but are endemic in tropical and subtropical areas in the so called 'Mycetoma belt', which includes the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Chad, Ethiopia, India, Mauritania, Mexico, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, and Yemen.
Mycetoma usually progresses slowly.
Many people with mycetoma become depressed and need psychological support.
Mycetoma can be identified by directly examining discharged ‘grains’ of fungal spores under a microscope, but further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis, which may include biopsy and x-ray or ultrasound. The earlier the infection is detected, the better the chance there is of curing it, so a simple, effective diagnostic test is urgently needed.
The treatment depends on the causative organisms. For the bacterial type, it is a combination antibiotics whereas for fungal type it is combined antifungal drugs and surgery. The treatment is frequently unsatisfactory, has many side effects, expensive and not available in endemic areas.
Mycetoma is not a notifiable disease (a disease required by law to be reported) and global surveillance system is being developed. There are no control programmes for mycetoma yet, except for Sudan. Preventing infection is difficult, but people living in or travelling to endemic areas should be advised not to walk barefooted.
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Frequently asked questions
Q.What causes Mycetoma?
Mycetoma is a disease caused by certain types of bacteria and fungi found in soil and water. These bacteria and fungi may enter the body through a break in the skin, often on a person's foot.
Q.How do you treat Mycetoma?
The treatment for mycetoma includes antibiotics or antifungal medicine, depending on whether the disease is caused by bacteria or fungi. Surgery is sometimes needed to cut away the infected tissue. Wearing shoes might help prevent mycetoma.
Q.Does nocardia cause Mycetoma?
More than 20 species of fungi and bacteria can cause mycetoma. Nocardia species, especially Nocardia brasiliensis, is the most commonly implicated actinomycetes.
Q.How do you prevent Mycetoma?
The treatment for mycetoma includes antibiotics or antifungal medicine, depending on whether the disease is caused by bacteria or fungi. Surgery is sometimes needed to cut away the infected tissue. Wearing shoes might help preventing mycetoma.
There is 2 type of Madura feet infection
fungal and bacterial infection
