Actinomycetoma: dramatic response to modified two-step regimen.

Abstract

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection of the subcutaneous tissue caused by fungi or fungus-like bacteria. The infection eventually spreads to bone resulting in significant morbidity. Rarely, viscera may be involved through contiguous spread. It is common in tropical countries like India, though disease is worldwide in distribution. A 22-year-old male patient, a farmer by occupation, presented with multiple discharging sinuses over the left chest wall, shoulder, upper arm, and adjacent neck of eight months duration. A diagnosis of actinomycetoma was made based on clinical and histopathological features as culture was negative for both fungus and bacteria. The patient was treated with a modified two-step regimen. It consisted of an intensive phase with intravenous gentamicin 80 mg 12th hourly and cotrimoxazole 320/1600 mg twice daily orally for four weeks.