Actinomycosis is an indolent, slowly progressive, suppurative infection caused by gram-positive branching bacteria of the genus Actinomyces. The organism is a part of the oral and gastrointestinal microflora of humans. The most common parts of body involved in actinomycosis are cervicofacial (55% of patients), abdominopelvic (20%) and pulmonothoracic (15%). Involvement of other parts of the bod...

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...

BACKGROUND Thoracic actinomycosis is an uncommon, chronic suppurative bacterial infection caused by actinomyces species, especially Actinomyces israelii. METHODS It is usually seen in immunocompetent patients with respiratory disorders, poor oral hygiene, alcoholism and chronic debilitating diseases. RESULTS We illustrate the radiological manifestations of thoracic actinomycoses in various ...

Actinomycosis is a rare and chronic infectious disease caused by a non-spore gram- positive, anaerobic bacterium that rarely infects the colon, in particular the left colon. A 53-year-old woman was referred to us due to chronic abdominal pain, bloating, a few episodes of bloody-mucous rectal discharge, and change of bowel habits. Her medical history and physical examination were unremarkable. C...

An 80-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of primary hepatic actinomycosis determined based on a percutaneous aspiration biopsy. The abscesses and state of liquefaction were easily and effectively visualized on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Ampicillin/sulbactam was administered; however, lesions of hepatic actinomycosis suddenly infiltrated the diaphragm and right th...

We report a case of broncholithiasis secondary to pulmonary actinomycosis. Broncholithiasis has occasionally been reported in association with actinomycosis, but it is unclear if actinomycosis leads to lymph node calcification with subsequent erosion into the airway, producing a broncholith, or if an existing generic broncholith is secondarily colonized with Actinomyces. The patient had post-ob...

Actinomycosis is an uncommon disease caused by organisms of the Actinomyces genus. These organisms are commonly found in the mucous membranes but do not cause infection unless there is disruption of the membranes, as occurs, for example, during dental trauma or abdominal surgery. Use of an IUD is also a risk factor for pelvic actinomycosis. The disease is usually insidious and is often mistaken...

Crohn disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Typical manifestations include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain, and abdominal abscesses and fistulae are frequent complications. Abdominal actinomycosis is a subacute or indolent disease associated with Actinomyces spp. Symptoms can be very similar to those of Crohn disease, and ...

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative granulomatous infection of subcutaneous tissues caused by bacterium Actinomyces israelii. It is a normal commensal of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and vagina. Infection is first established locally by breach of mucosal barrier during various procedures, aspiration, trauma, or human bite. Rarely, it may spread through hematoge...

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection characterized by multiple abscesses, fistulous pathways, and fibrosis involving the face, neck, chest, and abdomen. It is caused by an anaerobic Gram-positive saprophytic bacterium (Actinomyces). Primary actinomycosis of the lung is a rare disease that probably results from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions. It can present as a chr...