Clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment outcomes of mycetoma: A 25-year retrospective study in Southern Thailand

by Sorawit Chittrakarn, Siripen Kanchanasuwan, Nattapat Sangkakul, Nonthanat Tongsengkee

Background

Mycetoma is a chronic subcutaneous infection caused by fungi (eumycetoma) or filamentous bacteria (actinomycetoma). Although recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, data from Southeast Asia are scarce. Previous reports from Thailand were limited and outdated.

Methodology/Principal findings

We conducted a 25-year retrospective study (2000–2025) at a tertiary referral hospital in southern Thailand. Patients were identified from hospital records and confirmed by histopathology and/or culture. Fifty patients met inclusion criteria: 31 (62%) had eumycetoma and 19 (38%) had actinomycetoma. The median age was 50 years (IQR 41.8-58.0), and 62% were male. The foot was the most common site (80%), with bone involvement in 28%. Sinus tracts occurred in 43%, but visible grains were recorded in only 12%. Histopathology (performed in 86%) reliably distinguished fungal from bacterial etiologies, whereas culture yield was low, especially for actinomycetoma (27%). Among eumycetoma, identified pathogens included dematiaceous fungi such as Exophiala jeanselmei and hyaline molds such as Scedosporium and Fusarium. Among the few culture-positive actinomycetoma cases, all isolates were Nocardia spp. Itraconazole was the main antifungal, whereas trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was used for actinomycetoma. Surgery was performed in 66% of patients. At a median follow-up of 21 months (IQR 7.5–46.0), 54% achieved cure, 24% improved, 10% recurrence, and 3% required amputation.

Conclusions/Significance

Mycetoma in southern Thailand is uncommon but clinically significant. Unlike classical endemic regions, eumycetoma predominated and was caused by diverse fungi rather than Madurella mycetomatis. Despite combined medical and surgical therapy, cure rates were modest and complications frequent. These findings highlight regional differences in epidemiology and underscore the need for strengthened diagnostics, access to effective therapy, and region-specific neglected tropical disease strategies in Southeast Asia.