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Madura foot - mind the soil
N El Muttardi1, D Kulendren, B Jemec
1Department of Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, UK.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|January 30, 2010
Summary
Madura foot, a chronic infection caused by fungi or bacteria, presents with swelling, draining sinuses, and granules. Early suspicion is crucial, especially in migrant populations, for effective treatment of this rare dermatosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycetoma, known as Madura foot, is a neglected tropical disease endemic to tropical and subtropical regions.
- It is caused by true fungi (eumycetoma) or aerobic bacteria (actinomycetoma) following traumatic inoculation.
Observation:
- A case of eumycetoma in a 16-year-old Somalian girl residing in the UK is presented.
- The patient presented with a 4-year history of left foot infection.
Findings:
- The diagnostic hallmark of mycetoma is the presence of pathognomonic granules in discharge.
- The patient underwent surgical debridement and a 6-month course of antifungal medication.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of suspecting mycetoma in patients with similar presentations, particularly within increasing migrant populations in non-endemic areas.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing this chronic granulomatous infection.
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