Mycetoma in West Africa

Abstract Background Mycetoma is a neglected disease, which socioeconomically important, and with the possibility of permanent disability in infected persons if not treated early. This especially true resource-limited settings such as West Africa, where there lack facilities skilled personnel to make definitive laboratory diagnosis. Countries Africa have similar climatic conditions Sudan. The majority patients seek medical care very late, when already bone involvement, resulting amputations. results poor capture burden problem literature. Methods A review literature revealed about 2685 documented cases from 1929 2020; 15 out 16 countries, Senegal accounted for 74.1% (1943) subregion. Results lesions were found on foot; however, other body parts also reported. Rural dwellers most cases. Only 547 (20.4%) had identified isolates Actinomycetoma 47.9% cases, eumycetoma 39.7% unidentified pathogens 12.4%. Actinomadura pelletieri was predominant pathogen isolated (21.4%; 117 isolates). Conclusion There dire need capacity building, provision facility health education raise awareness this debilitating disease Africa.