Which soil-dwelling genus is linked to actinomycotic mycetoma?

• A. Erysipeloid
• B. Thrush
• C. Actinomycotic mycetoma
• D. Anthrax

Answer: (C)

Actinomycetoma is caused by filamentous, soil-dwelling actinomycete bacteria. The main culprits are genera such as Actinomadura, Nocardia, and Streptomyces, which live in soil and can enter the skin through minor trauma to produce a chronic subcutaneous infection with draining sinuses and granules. The question is asking for a soil-dwelling genus linked to this condition, and among the given options the choice that describes actinomycetoma directly points to the infection caused by these soil organisms. The other options describe entirely different diseases (erysipeloid from Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, thrush from Candida species, anthrax from Bacillus anthracis), which are not associated with actinomycetoma.