Cutaneous Botryomycosis of the Foot: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Botryomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection that manifests clinically as tumours or plaques that are often ulcerated and have discharging sinuses draining small white-coloured granules. Therefore, they closely mimic mycetoma or other fungal infections. It is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It can present as cutaneous or visceral disease. The cutaneous form can invade deep tissue leading to extensive destruction and disfigurement. A 31-year-old female presented with progressive swelling of her right foot over a period of 8 years. She had a disfigured right foot with multiple sinuses discharging pus. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of the foot showed invasion and destruction of the deep layers of the foot including the bone. Deep biopsy from the foot showed an abscess cavity with Gram-positive cocci within and bacterial culture grew S. aureus establishing the diagnosis of botryomycosis. Botryomycosis is a rare presentation of a common pathogen and needs to be considered while evaluating a chronic invasive subcutaneous infection.