Estimating the burden of mycetoma: A cross-sectional community-based study
Estimating the burden of mycetoma: A cross-sectional community-based study
Describe the prevalence of mycetoma and characteristics of those cases in selected regions of Ethiopia
updated 12 Dec 2025
Mycetoma is a debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD) that primarily affects impoverished rural communities across the so-called ‘mycetoma belt,’ including regions of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. It can lead to severe physical disabilities, requiring invasive surgeries like excision or amputation. Beyond its physical toll, mycetoma also causes significant socioeconomic and psychological harm.
Although mycetoma was recognized as an NTD by the World Health Organization in 2016, there is still limited data on its true prevalence. Existing studies often underestimate its burden because mycetoma is not a reportable disease in most endemic countries, and it affects populations with poor access to healthcare.
A lack of essential data on the burden and distribution of mycetoma poses a major obstacle to both effective disease control and the development of new treatments. In collaboration with our partners, DNDi is addressing these data gaps by conducting epidemiological studies in endemic regions of Africa and Asia, including through retrospective analysis of hospital records in India and Senegal.
Community-based prevalence surveys are considered a reliable method for estimating disease burden, as they can identify cases that may not have reached a healthcare facility. By identifying cases in the community, this study will provide unique insights into the clinical presentation and natural history of mycetoma, including in its early stages. Furthermore, clinical and laboratory data from community-detected cases will help fill critical knowledge gaps regarding local aetiology and inform the planning of future clinical trials for new treatments like fosravuconazole.
This cross-sectional community-based survey is being conducted in four regions of Ethiopia – Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and Southern Regional State – where previous data indicated a high disease burden. Approximately 100,000 people will be surveyed. The study is expected to generate the first robust estimates of mycetoma disease burden in Ethiopia, data vital for developing effective prevention and control strategies and planning future clinical trials. The study will also help link undiagnosed patients to medical care.
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