Mycetomas in Iran: a review article

Abstract

Mycetomas are the subcutaneous and relatively rare chronic pustular infections. The etiologic agents of mycetomas are a group of saprophytic fungi and actinomycetes living in soil. We retrospectively discussed the overall prevalence of mycetomas and the prevalence of infective agents in Iran between 1972 and 2005. Seventy-six cases of mycetomas have been reported from various geographical locations in Iran during 33 years. Analysis of the records revealed that 84.5% were actinomycetoma and only 15.5% were eumycetoma. Disease mainly has been seen in foot, and the male to female ratio was 2:1. Mycetomas were abundant among farmers in rural areas of Iran. The commonest agents of mycetomas were Nocardia asteroids, Actinomadura madura (actinomycetoma) and Allesheria boydii (eumycetoma). The peak age of onset was between 31 and 51 years.