Actinomycosis--an unusual case of an uncommon disease

• Published in: The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Vol. 12; no. 2; pp. 158 - 161
• Main Authors: Petrone, L R, Sivalingam, J J, Vaccaro, A R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1999
• Subjects: Actinomycosis - diagnosis; Actinomycosis - drug therapy; Adult; Biopsy; Female; Humans; Pelvis; Spinal Diseases - diagnosis; Spinal Diseases - drug therapy
• ISSN: 0893-8652
• DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.12.2.158

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 for other conditions. Treatment of the infection, once diagnosed, is a regimen of long-term antibiotics such as penicillin, clindamycin, and others. Our patient had pelvic and sacral actinomycosis without any of the traditional risk factors for infection.