The lesions rupture, resulting in sinus tracts, swelling and distortion of the infected body part. Surgical debridement may be necessary, and amputation is sometimes the final step. The ulcer or sinus tract opening is surrounded by raised or flat margins. The abscess is filled with pyogenic materials and granules which are often covered by exudate. The wall of the abscess has granulomatous inflammation, chronic inflammation, and granulation tissue.
Granules are present in the tissue.
Laboratory Direct examination Pus, exudate, or tissue should be macroscopically examined for sclerotia. Sclerotia are mounted in sterile saline and then crushed. The sclerotia should be washed in sterile water or in an antibiotic solution prior to inoculation. Some fungi are sensitive to cycloheximide, thus IMA, SDA and a medium containing cycloheximide should be used together. Search Medline References 484.