Actinomycosis: a great pretender. Case reports of unusual presentations and a review of the literature

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic disease caused by a group of anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that normally colonize the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract. Infection involving the cervicofacial area is the most common clinical presentation, followed by pelvic region and thoracic involvement. Due to its propensity to mimic many other diseases and its wide variety of symptoms, clinicians should be aware of its multiple presentations and its ability to be a 'great pretender'. We describe herein three cases of unusual presentation: an inferior caval vein syndrome, an acute cholecystitis, and an acute cardiac tamponade. We review the literature on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Cerebellar, Lung, Cutaneous and Muscular Abscesses Secondary to Actinomyces meyeri: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…13 More than 30 species have been isolated. 7,14 Most cases of human actinomycosis are due to Actinomyces israelii. [5][6][7]15 Less frequent are Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces meyeri, and Propionibacterium propionicum.…”

“…fish bone) and also using intrauterine devices. [11][12][13][14][15][16] Improved dental hygiene and the widespread use of antibiotic treatment have contributed to decrease in the incidence.…”

“…14,18,20 Alternatives such as macrolids and clindamycin may be given. 7,18,20 Piperacillintazobactam, imipenem, and meropenem are considered to be active.…”

Actinomycosis is not Frequent in the Periapex But is a Persistent Lesion

“…In the head and neck region, the most common form of actinomycosis is the cervicofacial form, which is often difficult to distinguish from other inflammatory lesions in this region (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

Incidence of Actinomycosis in Tonsillectomized Patients: Histopathologic Data for 115 Cases and a Rare Localization of Actinomycosis in Tongue Base

“…Aktinomikoz 10-60 yaş arasında herhangi bir yaşta görülebilmekle birlikte, orta yaşlı kişilerde hafi f bir pik yapar; üç yaşından küçük çocuklarda ise nadiren görülür. Nedeni bilinmemekle birlikte erkeklerde kadınlardan üç kat daha sık görülmektedir (1)(2)(3)(4)(5).…”