The Role of Mycotoxin in Myecetoma Pathogenesis

Abstract

Myecetoma is one of the neglected tropical diseases, most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions in the area known as myecetoma belt. It is caused either by fungi (eumycetes) or bacteria (actinomycetes). We suggest that, through their strong and stable, mycotoxin inhibits pain and aryl hydrocarbon receptor actions and promotes IL-17 release. Furthermore, it affects Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which is responsible for male sexual orientation and this explains the predominance of myecetoma among men and we suggest that the size of lesion is related to the strength of COMT activity in male patients. Due to the absence of laboratory facilities, we are not able to achieve more than these suggestions, so experimental studies are recommended