Actinomycetes are bacteria producing filaments like fungi.
Both the fungi and the actinomycetes are found in soil and plant material in tropical regions. The organism is inoculated into the skin by a minor injury, for example, a cut with a thorn when barefoot. It is not endemic in New Zealand but mycetoma is occasionally diagnosed in native Pacific Islanders. Clinical features Mycetoma is more common in men than women, particularly those aged 20 to 50. It generally presents as a single lesion on an exposed site and may persist for years.