Perianal actinomycetoma experience of 20 cases

Actinomycetoma is a chronic infection resulting from aerobic Actinomycetes. The major agents are Nocardia brasiliensis, Actinomadura madurae, and Streptomyces somaliensis. The most frequent topographies are the lower and upper limbs. The prognosis of this disease is determined by several factors, such as etiologic agent, clinical topography, and depth of disease (degree of involvement, visceral, and bone affection). The purpose of this paper was to present our experience with actinomycetoma of the perianal region.

This study comprises 20 cases of perianal actinomycetoma, all of which were clinically and microbiologically proven by direct examinations, cultures, and biopsies. Clinical responses to the two principal treatment regimes used [combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS/SMX) and diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) or amikacine plus TMS/SMX] are reported.

Most of the cases were male (17/20, 85%), the mean age was 42.1 years, and the farmers predominated (90%). The principal etiologic agent isolated was N. brasiliensis (85%).

Perianal actinomycetoma is a rare entity. Differential diagnosis with anal sinuses, hydroadenitis, and cutaneous tuberculosis must be made in endemic areas by performing mycologic tests and biopsies. Treatment depends on the etiologic agent involved and the patient's condition.