Mycetoma patients in Ethiopia: case series from Boru Meda Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Mycetoma is a chronic infection that can affect the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone. Although Ethiopia is in the so-called mycetoma belt, very little has been published about the disease in Ethiopia. There are no data about mycetoma in Ethiopia yet. Here, we present the first detailed description of mycetoma patients in Ethiopia.

CASES PRESENTATION: Seven cases of clinically diagnosed mycetoma from Boru Meda Hospital are described. All patients presented with swelling of the foot, although sinuses and grains were identified for only one patient. Patients presented late with a median lesion duration of five years, and most had previously tried modern or traditional treatment. Differentiation between lesions of bacterial or fungal origin was not possible in our hospital, and therefore all patients were started on combined treatments of antifungals and antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that mycetoma is present in Ethiopia, although there is no formal reporting system. Well-designed systematic studies are warranted to determine the exact burden of mycetoma in Ethiopia. A national strategy for mycetoma disease control should be designed with a focus on reporting, diagnosis, and management.