Actinomycetoma

Definition

Actinomycetoma is a chronic progressive subcutaneous infection caused by implantation of aerobic branching actinomycetes through a skin wound. These organisms are filamentous bacteria which live as saprophytes in soil or on plants; the commonest infecting agents are Nocardia brasiliensis, Actinomadura madurae and Streptomyces somaliensis. The earliest stage of infection is a firm painless nodule but with time the whole area becomes hard and swollen with multiple papules, pustules and draining sinuses on the skin surface. Extension to underlying bones and joints can result in gross deformity.

Exclusions

• Eumycetoma

Inclusions

• Mycetoma due to filamentous bacteria

Index Terms