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BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2022Actinomycosis is an uncommon endogenous bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, characterized by the development of abscesses, tissue fibrosis, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Actinomycosis is an uncommon endogenous bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species, characterized by the development of abscesses, tissue fibrosis, and fistulisation. It remains a diagnostic challenge, due to its similarities with diverse aetiologies' presentation, such as neoplasms, tuberculosis, or fungal infections. Actinomyces bovis is a microorganism rarely reported as a cause of human disease. Cutaneous involvement is sporadic. In this case, Actinomyces bovis was responsible for disseminated cutaneous disease in an immunosuppressed patient.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report the case of a 69-year-old female with multiple skin masses, under immunosuppressive therapy due to ulcerative colitis. Imaging exams were compatible with multiple cutaneous abscesses in the cervicofacial region and limbs. Actinomyces bovis was isolated in culture after abscess drainage. Antimicrobial therapy with parenteral penicillin G and oral amoxicillin was administered for 6 months, with complete resolution of cutaneous lesions and no relapse of the infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering actinomycosis as a possible diagnosis in the presence of subacute/chronic recurrent mass-like cutaneous lesions, especially in the setting of immunosuppression, may reduce the burden associated with delayed diagnosis and incorrect treatment and provide better outcomes and improvement of patient's quality of life.
Topics: Actinomyces; Actinomycosis; Aged; Female; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35351021
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07282-w -
BMC Veterinary Research Jan 2021Mandibular masses caused by inflammatory processes due to bacterial infections, most common with Actinomyces bovis, are well known in herbivors. This case represents a...
BACKGROUND
Mandibular masses caused by inflammatory processes due to bacterial infections, most common with Actinomyces bovis, are well known in herbivors. This case represents a rare differential diagnosis to common inflammatory processes which cannot be distinguished from neoplasia without detailed histopathological examination.
CASE PRESENTATION
A large unilateral mandibular mass of a free-ranging female adult red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) was submitted for pathological examination. The animal had been shot due to its poor body condition. Grossly, the mandibular mass showed gingival ulceration and necrosis. Histologically, irregular strands and islands of odontogenic epithelial cells and a matrix of dentin and osteoid-like material were found, leading to the diagnosis of an odontogenic tumor. Considering the animal's age the tumor was classified as odontoameloblastoma with secondary chronic purulent osteomyelitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Odontogenic tumors are rare in domestic and wildlife species and so far have not been reported in red deer. In addition to the more common inflammatory processes of the mandibula and other neoplastic diseases of the oral cavity, odontogenic tumors represent a rare differential diagnosis that must be kept in mind especially when masked by inflammatory lesions.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Deer; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Mandible; Mandibular Neoplasms; Odontogenic Tumors
PubMed: 33509193
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02759-3