Botryomycosis is a bacterial skin infection that typically presents with crusted, purulent large bumps.[1] Sulphur granules generally discharge via sinuses, which heal leaving thin-skinned scars.[1]

Botryomycosis
Other namesBacterial pseudomycosis
SpecialtyInfectious disease
FrequencyUncommon[1]

Presentation edit

Associated conditions edit

There are only a handful of documented cases of botryomycosis in humans, and its pathogenesis is not completely understood. However, it is usually described in individuals with impaired immunity, or with an underlying disease such as diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis or HIV infection.

Causes edit

It is most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and less frequently by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Proteus, and Streptococcus, Bacteroides.[1] Risk factors include weak immune system, HIV, alcoholism, and Job syndrome.[1]

Diagnosis edit

Diagnosis is by culture of the discharge.[1]

History edit

The disease was originally discovered by Otto Bollinger (1843–1909) in 1870, and its name was coined by Sebastiano Rivolta (1832–1893) in 1884. The name refers to its grape-like granules (Gr. botryo = grapes) and the mistakenly implied fungal etiology (Gr. mykes = fungus).[2] In 1919 the bacterial origin of the infection was discovered.

Other animals edit

Botryomycosis has been known to affect humans, horses, cattle, swine, dogs and cats.[citation needed]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "14. Bacterial infections". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. pp. 256–257. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6.
  2. ^ Medscape Today Archived 2015-02-01 at the Wayback Machine Primary Pulmonary Botryomycosis