Deep mycoses prevalent in the Igbos of Nigeria

During a 3-year period, 6 cases of Africal histoplasmosis, 6 of phycomycosis and 5 of mycetoma were recognized histologically in 0.4 per cent of 4,307 surgical specimens removed from Nigerian Igbos and examined at a central laboratory. Undoubtedly, these cases are but the representatives of the mycological iceberg existing in this part of the world. Our experience suggests that collaboration between physicians, pathologists and mycologists should bring about increased international awareness of the deep mycoses.