Phylogenetic identification of Nocardia brasiliensis strains isolated from actinomycetoma in Mexico State using species-specific primers

Summary Objective The aim of our research was to update the situation concerning actinomycetoma in Mexico, to localize areas where it is frequently found and to identify the main strains from the isolates. Material and methods To localize cases of actinomycetoma, patients’ medical records from the dermatology departments of general and private hospitals were reviewed. Pathologic strains were looked for in general hospital patients and in reference institutes in Mexico City. The clinical strains were kept in Bennett agar and were subsequently identified using polyphasic approaches, including a partial sequence of 16S rDNA using species-specific primers designed to recognise Nocardia species. Results Eleven cases of actinomycetoma and five species of pathological strains were identified. Most cases were found in south-eastern Mexico and Nocardia brasiliensis was the most frequently isolated species. Conclusions This research confirmed the presence of actinomycetoma in Mexico as well as the zones of high incidence and the most frequent pathological strain.