mycotic

Mycotic is an adjective derived from the Greek word mykes, meaning fungus. In medical usage, the term has historically described fungal infections and appears in several established phrases. In modern practice, mycotic describes conditions related to fungi, but it also occurs in historic names such as mycotic aneurysm, which is a misnomer since many such aneurysms are caused by bacterial infection rather than a fungal process. The term is less commonly used as a precise disease category and is often replaced by more specific terms such as mycosis or specific infectious agents.

In clinical microbiology and infectious disease, fungal infections are referred to as mycoses and are classified by location and depth of invasion. Superficial or cutaneous mycoses include dermatophytoses (tinea) and candidiasis. Invasive mycoses involve internal organs and tissues and occur most often in immunocompromised individuals; well-known examples include histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, and invasive aspergillosis. Diagnosis relies on culture, histopathology, serology, antigen testing, and imaging where appropriate. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications such as azoles, polyenes, or echinocandins, chosen according to the organism and disease site.

Mycetoma is a related subcutaneous infection often caused by fungi (eumycetoma) or bacteria (actinomycetoma), producing progressive swelling, sinus tracts, and granulomatous tissue. Distinguishing between fungal and bacterial etiologies is essential because management differs: antifungal therapy for eumycetoma versus antibiotics for actinomycetoma.

Mycotic aneurysm refers to an infected arterial wall, most commonly bacterial in origin, that can lead to aneurysmal dilation. Prompt diagnosis and combined antimicrobial therapy with surgical or endovascular management are critical.