Diagnostic problems with imported cases of mycetoma in The Netherlands

Abstract

Eight cases of imported mycetomata in The Netherlands are reviewed. Seven of these were cultured; only one isolate, Actinomadura madurae, belonged to a species commonly known as an agent of mycetoma. The remaining strains either belonged to very rare species, such as Phialophora cyanescens, or could not be identified at all. The list of possible agents of mycetoma apparently needs to be expanded. In addition, the concept of endemic occurrence of aetiological agents of eumycetoma needs revision. Divergent saprophytes may be involved which are able to survive in human tissue.