What is Eumycetoma?
Eumycetoma describes a clinical manifestation that can be caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. Eumycetoma is a deep-tissue infection, caused by fungi (rare moulds) that are found in soil and water, often in tropical countries.1 If left untreated, initially painless eumycetomas can progress, leading to tissue destruction across entire limbs; amputation rates of up to 39% have been reported in patients with eumycetoma.1,2
Pathogenesis
The fungi enter the body through breaks in the skin;1 therefore, feet are a common site of initial infection.2
Epidemiology
Prevalence varies by geographic region, with the highest incidence reported in areas with a tropical climate.1 However, as global data are limited, reports are likely to be an underestimate.1 Trends in reporting have not changed significantly over the past 10 years.1
Mortality has not been formally assessed but is thought to be generally low.1 Up to 60–80% of patients report a significant impact on their daily life.1
Risk factors
Known risk factors for eumycetoma include:1
- Male sex
- Young age (aged 11–30 years)
- Occupational risk factors (e.g. working as a farmer)
Pathogenic species
Eumycetoma causative agents include:1
- Madurella spp.
- Falciformispora senegalensis
- Curvularia lunata
- Scedosporium spp.
- Zopfia rosatii
- Acremonium spp.
- Fusarium spp.
References
- WHO fungal priority pathogens list to guide research, development and public health action. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240060241. Accessed July 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycetoma. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/mycetoma/index.html. Accessed July 2023.