Update on actinomycetoma treatment: linezolid in the treatment of actinomycetomas due to Nocardia spp and Actinomadura madurae resistant to conventional treatments

Introduction Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection, common throughout tropical regions, and is considered a neglected disease that mostly affects impoverished populations. Mycetoma is divided into eumycetoma, caused by fungi, and actinomycetoma, caused by filamentous bacteria. Clinical presentation is distinctive, and making the diagnosis is usually not difficult; however, access to safe and effective treatments is a major challenge. There is not a single best treatment, with the choice of treatment depending on etiology, severity and extent of disease, and patient comorbidities.Areas covered The following topics regarding actinomycetoma are discussed. I) Background information on actinomycetoma, and etiology. II) Differences between actinomycetoma caused by Nocardia, and cutaneous nocardiosis. III) Review of the treatment options for actinomycetoma, caused by three species – Nocardia, Actinomadura, and Streptomyces. IV) Experience using linezolid in the treatment of mycetoma caused by Nocardia spp. and Actinomadura madurae.Expert opinion Multiple treatment regimens for actinomycetoma were discussed according to the causative agent. Experience in using linezolid in combined therapy for actinomycetoma caused by Nocardia in which conventional treatment options failed was also presented. The first case report of treatment with linezolid for mycetoma caused by Actinomadura madurae is presented in this article.