Mycetoma

Question: How is mycetoma(Madura Foot) transmitted? How is it transmitted (airborne/contact etc.) and how do you prevent the transmission? Thanks :D I just read somewhere that it is not contagious. is this true?

Answer: The disease is usually acquired while performing agricultural work, and it generally afflicts men between 20 and 40 years old.The disease is characterized by a yogurt-like discharge upon maturation of the infection. The disease travels via the lymphatic system; infections normally start in the foot or hand and travel up the leg or arm. The disease is acquired by contacting grains of bacterial or fungal spores that have been discharged onto the soil. Infection usually involves an open area or break in the skin. Pseudoallescheria boydii is the name of fungus that causes the fungal form of madura foot Diagnosis of mycetoma is usually accomplished by radiology, ultrasound or by fine needle aspiration of the fluid within an afflicted area of the body. There are several clinical treatments available for this disease. They include surgery, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and amputation. There is no sure-fire treatment available at this date. Nor is there available at this date a vaccine for mycetoma. Scientists at such institutions as The Mycetoma Research Center at The University of Khartoum in the Sudan are working on a cure.

Question: What is the meaning of the word Tumefaction? this comes in the context of a type of foot infection know as mycetoma pedis

Answer: It is a swelling. See this link:- http://www.answers.com/tumefaction