Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of patients with mycetoma in Ethiopia: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Mycetoma is a chronic, granulomatous, neglected tropical disease characterised by painless swellings, draining sinuses and the presence of grains. This study aims to delineate the clinical presentation, treatment modalities and outcomes for patients with mycetoma attending a dermatology centre in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted at Boru Meda Hospital, Ethiopia. All the medical records of patients with mycetoma who sought treatment from June 2022 to May 2024 were carefully reviewed.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were included in the study. After 2 y of treatment, 52.94% of patients experienced treatment failure, 29.41% showed partial improvement and only 17.65% achieved a complete cure.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that mycetoma continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, with most cases showing unsatisfactory responses to current treatment strategies.