Staphylococcic Actinophytosis (Botryomycosis)

Chronic purulent and granulomatous lesions of the skin have been observed that form giant granules simulating those of actinomycosis or mycetomas, but containing bacteria, usually staphylococci, instead of fungi. At first termed botryomycosis under the mistaken impression that it denoted a specific fungous infection, the disease was subsequently given the name staphylococcic actinophytosis. The latter designation is probably preferable, although sesquipedalian and imperfect, because "botryomycetes" are nonexistent, having been invented through misinterpretation of the clumps of staphylococci. Moreover, botryomycosis had an episode of its own in dermatologic terminology when at one time it was erroneously identified with pyogenic granuloma (which is known also as pseudobotryomycosis). The paper by Winslow 1 provides an excellent summary of the morphology, biology, and bacteriology of the disease, for which he endorsed the name botryomycosis. Botryomycosis was first described in horses, and then in other animals, as a complication of castration. The lesions of animals