Mycetoma (madura foot) in the United Kingdom-a survey of forty-four cases

Abstract

Forty‐four cases of mycetoma (madura foot) presenting in the United Kingdom between 1963 and 1981 have been analysed. The majority of the patients originated from the tropics particularly the West Indies (41%). The commonest organisms isolated belonged to the pale grain eumycetoma (true fungal mycetoma) group, particularly Petriellidium boydii or Fusarium spp. However, in four instances the infecting organism was not identified because of a lack of distinguishing characteristics. All seven patients from the Middle East had actinomycetoma infections caused by Streptomyces somaliensis. The diagnosis and management of three patients are discussed in more detail.