Abstract
Background: Mycetoma is a unique neglected tropical disease caused by a substantial number of microorganisms of fungal or bacterial origins. Identification of the causative organism and the disease extension are the first steps in the management of the affected patients and predicting disease treatment outcome and prognosis. Objectives: To determine the role of special stain in identification of fungi in eumycetoma among Sudanese patients at Soba University Hospital. Method: This descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted of Fifty-nine archival formalin fixed paraffin- embedded tissue blocks, four identical sections from each archival paraffin-embedded tissue block were obtained and stained with routine HE also mycetoma is most common in young adults (16–40 years old) and is uncommon in children. No significant relationship was demonstrated between diagnosis and variables (gender, age). Type I and II was the commonest type of the host tissue reaction encountered in this study. Conclusion: Results showed that GMS and PAS had the ability to stain both fungal hyphae and yeast in compare to Gridley’s stain which had some limitations to stain fungal structures.
Highlights
Mycetoma is a chronic and progressive subcutaneous granulomatous infection characterized by painless swelling and tumefaction, draining sinus tracts, and purulent discharge
The term “eumycetoma” is used to describe an infection caused by fungi, while an “actinomycetoma” is reserved for an infection caused by filamentous bacteria [2]
Mycetoma, being a relatively painless condition, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage where permanent deformity of affected part has already occurred, so there is a need for correct diagnosis of mycetoma after clinical examination, assisted by histological and microbiological studies along with the use of special stains and proper treatment
Summary
Mycetoma is a chronic and progressive subcutaneous granulomatous infection characterized by painless swelling and tumefaction, draining sinus tracts, and purulent discharge. This discharge contains microbial sclerotia, or grains, which may be helpful in identifying the pathogen [1]. This inflammatory disease may be caused by fungi or bacteria and is classified . Known as sclerotia, are aggregates of the fungal hyphae or the bacterial filaments, sometimes embedded in tough, cement-like material. Results: The use of special stains especially PAS and Grocott methenaminesilver (GMS) stain are of value (specific and sensitive) in identifying the fungal hyphae and yeast of eumycetoma. Conclusion: Results showed that GMS and PAS had the ability to stain both fungal hyphae and yeast in compare to Gridley’s stain which had some limitations to stain fungal structures
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