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Mycetomas in Iran: a review article
Ali Zarei Mahmoudabadi1, Majid Zarrin
1Department of Medical Mycoparasitology, School of Medicine, Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran. zarei40@hotmail.com
Mycopathologia
|October 9, 2007
Summary
Mycetomas, rare fungal and actinomycete infections, predominantly affect farmers in Iran, with actinomycetoma being most common. The study analyzed 76 cases from 1972-2005, highlighting foot infections and a 2:1 male predominance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mycetomas are chronic subcutaneous infections caused by soil-dwelling fungi (eumycetoma) or actinomycetes (actinomycetoma).
- These infections are relatively rare but endemic in certain regions, particularly affecting agricultural communities.
- Understanding the prevalence and causative agents is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the overall prevalence of mycetomas in Iran.
- To identify the prevalence of different etiologic agents causing mycetomas.
- To analyze epidemiological characteristics of mycetoma cases in Iran.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 76 mycetoma cases reported in Iran.
- Data collection spanned 33 years, from 1972 to 2005.
- Inclusion criteria focused on confirmed mycetoma diagnoses and geographical location within Iran.
Main Results:
- Actinomycetoma accounted for 84.5% of cases, while eumycetoma represented 15.5%.
- The foot was the most commonly affected body part, with a male to female ratio of 2:1.
- Nocardia asteroids, Actinomadura madura, and Allesheria boydii were identified as common causative agents. Peak onset occurred between 31 and 51 years.
Conclusions:
- Mycetoma is prevalent among farmers in rural Iran, predominantly actinomycetoma affecting the foot.
- Epidemiological data underscore the importance of soil-transmitted pathogens in this region.
- Further research on prevention and targeted treatment strategies is warranted.
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