Actinomycetoma: An Unusual Case and Literature Review

Abstract

In the current era of modern medicine, neglected tropical disorders though rare, still remain a cause of significant morbidity in the sufferers. Actinomycetoma is one such disease commonly seen in the rural population of the tropical countries. Due to the presence of other infectious diseases with similar presentation and low yield on cultures, there may be a delay in correct diagnosis and treatment in resource poor settings. We present a 35 year old male patient who came with complaints of raised lesions over his neck. He had been treated with antitubercular drugs for the same, despite which the lesions had persisted. Based on clues from histopathological and clinical features, we diagnosed him with Actinomycetoma. He was started on the welsh regimen and he showed excellent response. This case becomes a rare vignette due to the uncommon site of presentation of mycetoma. Conclusion: Neglected tropical diseases are not to be neglected. Relevant investigations have to be done to rule out their possibility, especially in tropical countries where they are still a burden.