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Actinomycosis is usually a chronic infectious disease caused by Actinomyces species, which are anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that normally colonize the human oral cavity and digestive and urogenital tracts. Although this lesion often occurs on soft tissue around the mandible, cases localized in the lip are very uncommon. We encountered a patient with actinomycosis in the lower lip. A 76-year-old woman with a 5-mm submucosal nodule of the lower lip was referred to our hospital from a dental clinic. The clinical diagnosis was a benign submucosal tumor. Total excision and histological examination were conducted. No oral antibiotic therapy was prescribed. The histological diagnosis was actinomycosis. The postoperative course was uneventful with no signs of recurrence during the 6 months after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Periapical actinomycosis, which is reckoned as a subgroup of cervicofacial actinomycosis, is an uncommon, more indolent, less invasive, and limited type of actinomycosis infection. However, it can be considerably underreported due to the low number of periapical surgical specimens that are submitted for histopathological analysis after excision of the lesion with the preliminary diagnosis of typical periapical infections. It is believed that during root canal treatment, the organisms are displaced from the oral cavity into the periapical regions as a result of failure to establish aseptic techniques which can further result in actinomycosis infections and, in rare instances, lead to more severe events and can even be life-threatening. Case Presentation. We intend to report a case of periapical actinomycosis in a 34-year-old female who presented with the chief complaint of pain and slight mobility of the mandibular right second premolar and first molar with no significant issues in the patient's medical history. Initial orthopantomography revealed a uniloculated, radiolucent lesion engulfing the apices of the aforementioned teeth. An incisional biopsy was then obtained which revealed fragments of fibroconnective tissue including few crushed bone particles severely infiltrated by acute inflammatory cells and some foamy macrophages. The suppurative exudate focally surrounds colonies of filamentous bacteria as round basophilic masses with radial configuration resembling "sulfur granules." Surgical approach consisted of curettage accompanied with peripheral ostectomy and cautious burnishing of the two involved tooth roots. Conclusion. This case report emphasizes the importance of aseptic techniques during endodontic and more invasive treatments, as they can cause penetration of Actinomyces into the periapical region which in some cases can lead to more serious complications and even life-threatening situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pulmonary actinomycosis (PA) is a rare and ubiquitous bacterial disorder, combining subacute or chronic focal suppuration and an expansive fibrogranulomatous lesion. Lung involvement is rare. The radioclinical manifestations of this infection are polymorphic and confusing. The form revealed by a solitary pulmonary nodule is exceptional and not documented in the literature. Case Presentation. We report a case of a 71-year-old patient, 25-year package smoker, revealed by repeated moderate-abundance hemoptysis with a rare radiological image: in the form of a solitary pulmonary nodule located at the left chest base. The negativity of bacteriological research, endoscopic samples, the failure of treatment of the bleeding by medical and embolization, and at last the suspicion of a neoplasia led us to perform a thoracotomy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This surgery highlighted evidence of filamentous basophilic grains posing the diagnosis of PA. Appropriate treatment allowed a cure without recurrence after 02 years of follow-up. Conclusion. Pulmonary actinomycosis can be revealed by different radiological forms. Pulmonary actinomycosis should be considered in the presence of any solitary lung nodule in order to reduce the morbidity and cost associated with thoracotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is gram-positive saprophytic infection that is characterized by chronic suppurative and granulomatous lesion. It could be found in the oral cavity, lungs, colon, and genital area. In the oral cavity, it is commonly associated with infected root canals presented as persistent infections. This case reports demonstrate an atypical presentation of actinomycosis in the lower left mandibular canine/premolar area showing painless soft tissue lesion associated with bone sequestration. Nonsurgical curettage of the lesion followed by nonsurgical root canal treatment and retreatment to the offended teeth was determined as the treatment modality for this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis can be one of the causes of persistent periradicular lesions. This is the report of a patient who was first referred with complaint of pain in maxillary right incisors. A standard root canal therapy was carried out. Unluckily, the patient returned with recurrent symptoms; therefore, surgical endodontic retreatment was decided. While the large periradicular lesion was curetted, a whitish yellow granule-like material came out from the periapical area that was submitted for histopathological examination. The apices of both maxillary right incisors were resected. Root-end cavities were sealed with calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement. Finally, the remaining large defect was filled with natural bone substitutes. Since the histopathological diagnosis revealed actinomycotic infection, oral penicillin V was prescribed for four weeks. At two-year recall, the bone healing process was completed. Apical actinomycosis can cause therapy-resistant lesions. Root-end surgery employing CEM and bone substitutes might be an effective method to help bone healing in large periradicular lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) are useful antimicrobial compounds against oral bacteria. Here, we investigated the effects of two QAMs, dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM), on biofilm formation, survival and development of tolerance by biofilm, and survival and development of tolerance against QAMs after prolonged starvation. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), and Actinomyces naeslundii (A. naeslundii) were used. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of QAMs against multispecies biofilm was determined. Biofilm formed under sub-MIC was observed by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Metabolic activity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactic acid production measurement. Development of tolerance was determined by MIC values before and after exposure to QAMs or after prolonged starvation. It was found that E. faecalis and S. gordonii could survive and form biofilm under sub-MIC of QAMs. Lactic acid production from biofilms formed under sub-MIC was significantly higher than control specimens (p < 0.05). The exposure to sub-MIC of QAMs promoted biofilm formation, and prolonged starvation or prolonged contact with sub-MIC helped bacteria develop tolerance against killing by QAMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative infection primarily caused by anaerobic gram-positive filamentous bacteria, primarily of the genus Actinomyces. Oral-cervicofacial actinomycosis is the localization found most often, presenting as a soft tissue swelling, an abscess, a mass lesion, or sometimes an ulcerative lesion. Periodontitis-like lesions, however, are rare findings. This report describes the case of a 41-year-old healthy female patient (nonsmoker), who was referred to the clinic with dull and throbbing pain in the second quadrant. Tooth 25 showed increased mobility and probing pocket depths up to 10 mm, with profuse bleeding upon probing. Radiographically, considerable interproximal horizontal bone loss was found, and the diagnosis of periodontitis stage 3, grade C was made. The situation was initially stabilized with adhesive splinting and local anti-infective therapy. Two weeks later, the bone defect was treated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using a xenogenic filler material (BioOss Collagen) and a resorbable membrane (Bio-Gide). Due to a suspicious appearance of the excised granulation tissue, the collected fragments were sent for histopathological evaluation. This evaluation revealed a chronic granulomatous inflammation with the presence of filamentous bacterial colonies, consistent with Actinomyces. The patient was successfully treated. While there are only few reports in the literature, actinomycotic lesions represent a rare but possible finding in cases with localized periodontal destruction. In conclusion, systematic biopsy of the infrabony tissue in localized periodontal lesions may help to provide a more accurate counting of Actinomyces-associated lesions, thereby improving diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of culture-negative aortic valve endocarditis secondary to Tropheryma whipplei infection. Our patient underwent aortic valve replacement after 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy with persistently negative blood culture results. Despite a technically uneventful operation, the patient showed continued sepsis and was unresponsive to a broad-spectrum of antibiotic therapy with subsequent multiorgan failure. He died on the 5th postoperative day, and diagnosis was established at postmortem examination. In this case report, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a rare type of endocarditis caused by T. whipplei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital actinomycosis is a very rare clinical manifestation of orbital infection caused by Actinomyces species, anaerobic Gram-positive filamentous bacteria. We report herein a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with chronic progressive course of total ophthalmoparesis in association with productive cough, leading to the diagnosis after extensive investigation. In addition, all reported cases of orbital actinomycosis in the literature are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a case of Actinomyces europaeus in the breast abscess of a penicillin-allergic woman. The mainstay of treatment for actinomycosis is penicillin, and there is a lack of literature describing nonpenicillin treatment options. A 69-year-old woman presented acutely with a breast abscess which was managed with incision and drainage and antibiotic therapy to good response. 21 days after presentation, Actinomyces were grown from the culture of pus, so the patient was recalled and more rigorous treatment and follow-up were initiated. The penicillin allergy led to difficulty in the identification of an appropriate antimicrobial agent that was also logistically feasible to be given on an outpatient IV basis. IV tigecycline followed by oral clarithromycin was found to be effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary actinomycosis is an important differential diagnosis in patients with long-standing pulmonary infiltrates related to poor oral hygiene or compromised immune function. Up to a quarter of cases of thoracic actinomycosis are misdiagnosed as lung malignancy. Here, we report a 56-year-old man with a hypodense lesion in the left lower lobe presenting with recurrent massive haemoptysis for about one year. He underwent left lower lobe lobectomy due to intractable haemoptysis. Histopathological examination demonstrated actinomycosis infiltrating the left lower lobe. Rarity of the case was the presence of actinomycosis in an immunocompetent individual and without underlying preexisting lung disease. Also, intractable massive haemoptysis necessitating surgical excision which proved to be both diagnostic and curative due to actinomycosis is an unusual occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomyces meyeri bacterium resides on mucosal surfaces and is uncommonly pathogenic. When A. meyeri does cause infection, these infections are typically pulmonary in origin and have the capacity to disseminate throughout the body. A. meyeri is an uncommon cause of pelvic infection. We present a unique case of a posthysterectomy abscess caused by this particular bacterium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Actinomyces species which may involve only soft tissue or bone or the two together. Actinomycotic osteomyelitis of maxilla is relatively rare when compared to mandible. These are normal commensals and become pathogens when they gain entry into tissue layers and bone where they establish and maintain an anaerobic environment with extensive sclerosis and fibrosis. This infection spreads contiguously, frequently ignoring tissue planes and surrounding tissues or organ. The portal of entry may be pulpal, periodontal infection, and so forth which may lead to involvement of adjacent structures as pharynx, larynx, tonsils, and paranasal sinuses and has the propensity to damage extensively. Diagnosis is often delayed and is usually based on histopathology as they are cultured in fewer cases. The chronic clinical course without regional lymphadenopathy may be essential in diagnosis. The management of actinomycotic osteomyelitis is surgical debridement of necrotic tissue combined with antibiotics for 3–6 months. The primary actinomycosis arising within the maxilla with contiguous involvement of paranasal sinus with formation of oroantral fistula is rare. Hence, we present a 50-year-old female patient with chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis of maxilla which presented as oroantral fistula with suppurative and sclerotic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a rare and slowly progressive infectious disease that can affect a variety of organ systems including the lung. It is caused by filamentous Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces. Despite its rarity, pulmonary actinomycosis can involve lung parenchyma, bronchial structures, and chest wall. The disease can mimic lung malignancy given its nonspecific clinical and radiological presentation, thus posing a diagnostic dilemma to the attending physician. In this paper, we describe two patients with pulmonary actinomycosis mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma; the former presented with peripheral infiltrate and associated hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy and the latter presented with a foreign body-induced endobronchial mass. Clinical, imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutical aspects of the disease are discussed, demonstrating the paramount importance of the histological examination of lung tissue specimens in the confirmation of the infection given either its low culture yield or the limited use of new molecular diagnostic tools in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomyces meyeri is an uncommon cause of human actinomycosis. Here, we report a rare case of empyema caused by A. meyeri. A 49-year-old male presented with a history of 10 days of dyspnea and chest pain. A large amount of loculated pleural effusion was present on the right side and multiple lung nodules were documented on radiological studies. A chest tube was inserted and purulent pleural fluid was drained. A. meyeri was isolated in anaerobic cultures of the pleural fluid. The infection was alleviated in response to treatment with intravenous penicillin G (20 million IU daily) and oral amoxicillin (500 mg every 8 hours) for 4 months, demonstrating that short-term antibiotic treatment was effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection due to Actinomyces israelii, a gram-positive, anaerobic organism that normally affects the cervicofacial region. However, facial injury or trauma (i.e., dental procedures) can allow this bacteria to inhabit other regions. There have been rare reports of actinomycosis of the paranasal sinuses. We present a case of a 50-year-old female who originally presented with a suspected oroantral fistula who subsequently was found to have actinomycosis involving her right maxillary sinus. Additionally, the dental extraction site revealed no connection with the maxillary sinus. We discuss the diagnostic approach and management of this patient as it relates to the limited existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease, caused by gram positive anaerobic bacteria, that may appear as an abdominal mass and/or abscess (Wagenlehner et al. 2003). This paper presents an unusual case of a hemodynamically stable 80-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with 4 weeks of worsening abdominal pain and swelling. He also complains of a 20-bound weight loss in 2 months. A large tender palpable mass in the right upper quadrant was noted on physical exam. Laboratory studies showed a normal white blood cell count, slightly decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, and mildly elevated total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. A CT with contrast was done and showed a liver mass. Radiology and general surgery suspected malignancy and recommended CT guided biopsy. The sample revealed abundant neutrophils and gram positive rods. Cytology was negative for malignancy and cultures eventually grew actinomyces. High dose IV penicillin therapy was given for 4 weeks and with appropriate response transitioned to oral antibiotic for 9 months with complete resolution of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic actinomycosis is an uncommon, slowly progressing granulomatous infection that has been associated with the presence of intrauterine devices. Due to its unspecific clinical and radiologic findings, it can mimic pelvic or intra-abdominal malignancy leading to mutilating surgery of high morbidity. Rarely, diagnosis is made preoperatively and in most cases surgical intervention is necessary. The patient in our case is a 42-year-old female with an IUD for 15 years diagnosed with pelvic actinomycosis. Patient was uniquely diagnosed preoperatively through paracentesis and treated conservatively with prolonged antibiotic therapy and without any type of surgical intervention. Follow-up at 1 year showed almost complete radiologic resolution of the inflammatory mass, nutritional recovery, and absence of symptoms. Pelvic actinomycosis can be successfully diagnosed and treated medically without surgical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is a rare clinical form with variable presentation. The tumoral presentation of actinomycosis as pseudocarcinomatous or sarcomatous masses is completely rare. The management of cutaneous actinomycosis needs proper antibiotic treatment and surgical resection would not be adequate alone. Herein, we report a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis on the dorsal surface of the hand as draining and infiltrated lesions along with the scar of previous tumor excision that had not received proper antibiotics after the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Actinomycosis can affect any organ of the body, although cutaneous fistulas are common in actinomycotic infections, and other organs such as the bladder are only rarely involved. Case Presentation. Herein we report and discuss a young male patient with primary vesical actinomycosis. A 23-year-old man was hospitalized complaining of intermittent gross hematuria over a 6- month duration. The patient underwent a cystoscopic examination under general anesthesia; an edematous, hyperemic, wide-based mass, which protruded from the dome of the bladder, was seen and incompletely resected. The histopathological examination of the material showed Actinomyces organisms surrounded by inflammation and a photomicrograph showed the microorganism. After confirmation of bladder actinomycosis, the patient received penicillin. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed no evidence of the mass at the postoperative 6th month. Cystoscopic examination showed complete healing of the transurethral resection area at the dome of the bladder. Conclusion. In conclusion, we believe that the gold standard treatment for vesical actinomycosis should include the combination of a transurethral resection of the mass and long-term penicillin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomyces species may lead to slowly progressive infection of almost any site once mucosal breakdown exists; hence, it has the name "great pretender." Its diagnosis may be unthinkable unless proper cultures/histologies are taken. We describe a patient with lumbar spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess. This is an exceptional another disease by actinomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinonasal actinomycosis should be suspected when a patient with chronic sinusitis does not respond to medical therapy or has a history of facial trauma, dental disease, cancer, immunodeficiency, long-term steroid therapy, diabetes, or malnutrition. Radiological evaluation with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important in differential diagnosis, evaluating the extent of disease, and understanding clinical symptoms. Endoscopic sinus surgery associated with long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy is the gold standard for treatment of sinonasal actinomycosis. We report an unusual case of abducens nerve palsy resulting from invasive sinonasal actinomycosis in a patient with an abnormally enlarged sphenoid sinus. A review of the current literature highlighting clinical presentation, radiological findings, and treatment of this uncommon complication is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a granulomatous disease caused by Actinomyces that mimics other intra-abdominal pathologies especially neoplasms. Correct diagnosis can be rarely established before radical surgery. On the other hand Entamoeba infection affects a considerable number of people worldwide. To our knowledge only one case has been reported to be affected by both organisms.We report aman who has been operated for a mass in the cecum mimicking a perforated colon cancer. Abdominal CT revealed amass with features of an invading neoplasm. After radical surgery, definitive pathology revealed that the mass was due to actinomycosis associated with Entamoeba infection.The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was on long-course antibiotherapy. It is important to consider actinomycosis especially in patients with intra-abdominal masses with unusual aggressiveness to prevent unnecessary surgery. However, surgery can be unavoidable especially in the presence of complicated disease or high index of suspicion for malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute osteomyelitis exists as a refractory disease even now, which usually exhibits systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise and local redness or swelling. The present paper describes a case of acute osteomyelitis of the mandible that was rapidly progressing without typical symptoms. The patient had liver cirrhosis, which should be one of the systemic factors that affect immune surveillance and metabolism. Actinomycotic druses and filaments were detected from the sequestrum. These were considered to play a role in the rapid progression of osteomyelitis without typical symptoms. There has been no evidence of local recurrence 24 months after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal-pelvic actinomycosis is often mistaken for other conditions, presenting a preoperative diagnostic challenge. In a 46-year-old female, computed tomography showed an abdominal-pelvic retroperitoneal mass extending from the lower pole of the right kidney to the lower pelvis. The patient had a 3-year history of intrauterine device. The mass appeared to involve the ascending colon, cecum, distal ileum, right Fallopian tube and ovary, and ureter anteriorly and the psoas muscle posteriorly. The resection of retroperitoneal mass, distal ileum appendicectomy, right hemicolectomy, and right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Penicillin therapy was given for six months without any complication. The retroperitoneal mass measured 4.5 × 3.5 × 3 cm, surrounded adjacent organs and histologically showed inflammatory granulomatous tissue, agglomeration of filaments, and sulfur granules of Actinomyces, with positive reaction with periodic acid Schiff. Right tubo-ovarian abscess was present. Abdominalpelvic actinomycosis should always be considered in patients with a pelvic mass especially in ones using intrauterine device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatic actinomycotic abscesses are rare and secondary to other intra-abdominal infections. History of intra-abdominal surgery is a principal contributing factor for the abscess formation. Patients with hepatic actinomycotic abscess may suffer from fever, malaise, abdominal pain and bodyweight loss. The clinical progress of actinomycotic abscess is more indolent than the usual course of other pyogenic abscess. It is sometimes diagnosed as malignancy. This report consists of two cases of hepatic actinomycotic abscess mimicking tumours. Laboratory data revealed elevated alkaline phosphatase and leucocytosis. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed multiloculated lesions with peripheral contrast enhancement appearance. Diagnosis confirmation was based on the typical histologic feature of sulfur granules with inflammatory process by echo-guided fine needle biopsy or surgical specimen. These two cases were resolved with extended courses of intravenous and oral penicillin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Pancreatic actinomycosis is a chronic infection of the pancreas caused by the suppurative Gram-positive bacterium Actinomyces. It has mostly been described in patients following repeated main pancreatic duct stenting in the context of chronic pancreatitis or following pancreatic surgery. This type of pancreatitis is often erroneously interpreted as pancreatic malignancy due to the specific invasive characteristics of Actinomyces. Case. A 64-year-old male with a history of chronic pancreatitis and repeated main pancreatic duct stenting presented with weight loss, fever, night sweats, and abdominal pain. CT imaging revealed a mass in the pancreatic tail, invading the surrounding tissue and resulting in splenic vein thrombosis. Resectable pancreatic cancer was suspected, and pancreatic tail resection was performed. Postoperative findings revealed pancreatic actinomycosis instead of neoplasia. Conclusion. Pancreatic actinomycosis is a rare type of infectious pancreatitis that should be included in the differential diagnosis when a pancreatic mass is discovered in a patient with chronic pancreatitis and prior main pancreatic duct stenting. Our case emphasizes the importance of pursuing a histomorphological confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic and intra-abdominal Actinomycosis can be difficult to diagnose preoperatively and it may also mimic many other diseases, including malignancies. We present a patient with pelvic Actinomycosis probably caused by a long-standing intrauterine device (IUD). We emphasize the challenges in diagnostic process and stress that though a rare disease, intra-abdominal Actinomycosis should be suspected in cases with intra-abdominal mass of uncertain etiology. The early recognition may spare the patient from extensive surgical operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Lacrimal infections by Actinomyces are rare and commonly misdiagnosed for long periods of time.They account for 2% of all lacrimal diseases. Case Report.We report a case of a 70-year-old female patient suffering froma para-canalicular abscess in themedial canthus of the left eye, beside the lower punctumlacrimale, resembling a chalazion. Purulence exited fromthe punctum lacrimale due to inflammation of the inferior canaliculus (canaliculitis). When pressure was applied to the mass, a second exit of purulence was also observed under the palpebral conjunctiva below the lacrimal caruncle. A surgical excision was performed followed by administration of local antibiotic therapy.The histopathological examination of the extracted mass revealed the existence of actinomycosis. Conclusion. Persistent or recurrent infections and lumps of the eyelids should be thoroughly investigated. Actinomyces as a causative agent should be considered. Differential diagnosis is broad and should include canaliculitis, chalazion, and multiple types of neoplasias. For this reason, in nonconclusive cases, a histopathological examination should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative, and granulomatous process caused by Actinomycetes, saprophytic bacteria normally residing in the oral cavity. It can involve any organ, but the cervicofacial disease is the most frequent. Pharyngolayngeal involvement is rare and usually occurs secondary to the oral or cervical disease. There are few cases of primary pharyngolaringeal actinomycosis described in the literature. A rare case of pharyngeal actinomycosis mimicking an ulcerative malignancy in a 63-year-old man is reported. The patient was treated successfully with long-term antibiotic therapy. The clinical and pathological features and the aspects of diagnosis and treatment of cervicofacial actinomycosis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botryomycosis is a unique form of bacterial infection, closely mimicking actinomycosis. The usual site of occurrence is the skin and renal botryomycosis is very rare. The most common organism is Staphylococcus aureus which can be identified using Gram stain and confirmed by culture. Early and accurate diagnosis can ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy. We present a young lady diagnosed to have incidental botryomycosis of the kidney, following nephrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomyces and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare are facultative intracellular organisms, members of the bacterial order actinomycetales. Although Actinomyces can behave as copathogen when anatomic barriers are compromised, its coinfection with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare has not previously been reported. We present the first reported case of palatal actinomycosis co-infection with disseminated MAC, in an HIV-infected subject with Kaposi sarcoma and diabetes. We discuss the pathogenesis of the complex condition of this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the imaging and pathologic findings of fishbone-associated actinomycosis of the anterior cervical space in a 57- year-old man, misdiagnosed preoperatively as a malignancy originating from thyroglossal duct cyst. CT revealed an enhancing mass containing a small abscess pocket and two sharp linear calcifications within it, which infiltrated into the strap muscle. Pathologic examination demonstrated two fishbones within the actinomycotic abscess. Fishbone-associated actinomycosis should be considered when a cervical mass contains sharp linear calcifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We report a case of symptomatic actinomycosis associated with vaginal suture erosion and granulation tissue refractory to conservative management, in an outpatient setting. Case: Three months after total vaginal hysterectomy and uterosacral ligament vaginal vault suspension, a woman complained of painless, intermittent vaginal discharge and spotting. Despite cauterization of granulation tissue, vaginal spotting persisted for another month. On re-examination, braided polyester suture that was found underlying the granulation tissue was removed. Recurrent symptoms, together with a biopsy revealing actinomycetes, prompted a trial of oral penicillin VK. With persistent symptoms and discomfort during attempts in the outpatient clinic, the woman eventually required suture removal in the operating room. Her symptoms subsequently resolved without recurrence, and no further antibiotic treatment was required. Conclusions: Actinomyces may be associated with persistent granulation tissue and vault suspension suture material. In rare circumstances, when tissue debridement and suture removal in the clinic is unsatisfactory, surgical intervention in the operating room may be necessary. Ten days of antibiotic therapy alone did not eradicate the granulation tissue, and symptoms resolved only after complete removal of the underlying permanent suture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 27-year-old woman with primary actinomycosis of the breast. Diagnosis was established by culture examination of specimen recovered by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) under ultrasound guidance. To our knowledge, this is the first description in the literature of a case of primary actinomycosis of the breast caused byActinomyces viscosus. Twenty-nine previous cases of primary actinomycosis of the breast have been published, but these were caused by the more common speciesActinomyces israelii. Targeted antibiotic therapy did not ameliorate the condition, thus drainage and excision of the mass were carried out. No other medical therapy was administered. Six years after surgery, no recurrence has been observed on both ultrasonographic and mammographic examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pelvic actinomycosis is uncommon and often presents as a complication of an intrauterine device (IUD). A diagnosis of actinomycosis can be made from the finding of sulfur granules within inflammatory exudate on histologic examination after surgery. However, it may be possible to diagnose actinomycosis before surgery by finding Actinomyces-like organisms on Papanicolaou smears. Case: A 41 -year-old woman had been diagnosed as having a pelvic abscess, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. She had been an IUD user for 6 years. Actinomyces-like organisms were detected in her previous Papanicolaou cervical smears. If the patient had been treated when the Actinomyces-like organisms were detected by Papanicolaou smears, the serious ovarian actinomycosis might have been avoided. Conclusion: We suggest that routine cervical examinations are important for women who are IUD users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]