Actinomycosis affecting the spinal cord: a case report

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic, suppurative, granulomatous infection caused by a group of gram-positive anaerobic bacteria belonging to the natural flora of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. It may involve several organs. This case study refers to pulmonary actinomycosis with chest wall involvement and cord compression in a 29-year-old male who presented with fever, cough, hemoptysis, neck pain, and paresis and plegia of the lower limbs of 5-month duration.

Lumbosacral actinomycosis in an immunocompetent individual: An extremely rare case

“…Spinal actinomycosis is common in males (84.2%) and is also common between 20 and 50 years of age (78.9%). [ 2 ] Most of the cases are immunocompromised. Very few cases have been reported in immunocompetent individuals.…”

“…The material is generally gelatinous, dark with yellowish odorless sand like sulfur granules. [ 2 ] Culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis however it is difficult and less sensitive because the bacteria are slow growing. Their growth is often affected by prior administration of antibiotics.…”

“…Vertebral infection is uncommon and involvement of spinal cord by this organism is very rare phenomenon. [ 2 ] Till date only 25 such cases have been reported and most of which show involvement of cervical and thoracic cord. Actinomycosis of lumbosacral spine is a rare entity in literature.…”

“…Actinomycosis of lumbosacral spine is a rare entity in literature. [ 2 ] Hence we are reporting this case of 30-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with lower back pain and sensory motor involvement of left lower limb. Radiology and histopathology revealed actinomycotic infection of spine.…”

Primary Cutaneous Actinomycosis of Lower Extremity: A Rare Case Report

“…It is more common in males (3:1) and in immunocompromised patients. 5 There are three classic patterns of actinomycosis; i) cervicofacial, involving the jaw extending into the neck, ii) thoracic, and iii) abdomino-pelvic. 6 Cutaneous involvement is well documented and it is usually secondary to local extension or probably to hematogenous spreading from various sites.…”