Inappropriate back surgery.

Chromoblastomycosis and mycetoma are chronic infections caused by the repeated traumatic inoculation of organisms into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Chromoblastomycosis is caused by several dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi, occurs in tropical regions, and usually affects the lower extremities. The lesions may be nodules, plaques, or tumorous masses. Mycetomas are caused by either true fungi (eumycetes) or filamentous bacteria (actinomycetes); they also occur predominantly in tropical areas and most frequently affect the foot or leg. Typically there is a firm swelling with multiple sinus tracts that drain small granules. The treatment of these infections is difficult. Surgery, cryotherapy, heat therapy, and antimicrobial agents are used to treat chromoblastomycosis. Surgery and antimicrobial agents are used for treatment of mycetomas. This is the first report of concurrent infections caused by these agents.

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