Mycetoma laboratory diagnosis: Review article

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease caused by diverse fungal and bacterial pathogens.
• Accurate identification of the causative agent and disease staging are crucial for effective mycetoma management and prognosis.
• Current diagnostic methods have limitations including invasiveness, time consumption, and need for specialized laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of laboratory investigations for mycetoma diagnosis.
• To outline diagnostic guidelines based on extensive clinical experience.
• To assist healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of mycetoma.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing and emerging laboratory diagnostic techniques for mycetoma.
• Inclusion of classical methods like microscopy, histopathology, and culture.
• Emphasis on recent advancements in molecular-based diagnostic approaches.

Main Results:

• Mycetoma diagnosis requires a combination of techniques due to varying sensitivity and specificity.
• Both traditional and molecular methods are essential components of the diagnostic armamentarium.
• No single method is universally applicable or field-friendly.

Conclusions:

• An integrated approach combining various laboratory techniques is necessary for accurate mycetoma diagnosis.
• Guidelines developed from extensive patient management experience can aid clinicians.
• Further development of field-friendly and accurate diagnostic tools is warranted.