Actinomycetoma is a chronic bacterial subcutaneous infection caused by ''
Actinomyces
''Actinomyces'' is a genus of the Actinomycetia class of bacteria. They all are gram-positive. ''Actinomyces'' species are facultatively anaerobic and they grow best under anaerobic conditions. ''Actinomyces'' species may form endospores, an ...
'' that affect the skin and connective tissue. It is, therefore, a form of
actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is a rare infectious bacterial disease caused by ''Actinomyces'' species. The name refers to ray-like appearance of the organisms in the granules. About 70% of infections are due to either '' Actinomyces israelii'' or '' A. gerencser ...
.
Mycetoma
Mycetoma is a chronic infection in the skin caused by either bacteria ( actinomycetoma) or fungi ( eumycetoma), typically resulting in a triad of painless firm skin lumps, the formation of weeping sinuses, and a discharge that contains grains. 8 ...
is a broad term which includes actinomycetoma and
eumycetoma
Eumycetoma, also known as Madura foot, is a persistent fungal infection of the skin and the tissues just under the skin, affecting most commonly the feet, although it can occur in hands and other body parts. It starts as a painless wet nodule ...
under it. However,
eumycetoma
Eumycetoma, also known as Madura foot, is a persistent fungal infection of the skin and the tissues just under the skin, affecting most commonly the feet, although it can occur in hands and other body parts. It starts as a painless wet nodule ...
is caused by fungal infection in contrast to actinomycetoma that is caused by bacteria mostly anaerobic. The predominant site of infection is the foot and leg. Both actinomycetoma and
eumycetoma
Eumycetoma, also known as Madura foot, is a persistent fungal infection of the skin and the tissues just under the skin, affecting most commonly the feet, although it can occur in hands and other body parts. It starts as a painless wet nodule ...
show very similar clinical and radiological presentations. And both chronic infections are endemic in tropical countries.
References
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Bacterial diseases