Related Experiment Videos

Abdominal actinomycosis

F M E Wagenlehner1, B Mohren, K G Naber

  • 1First Department of Surgery, St Elisabeth, Straubing, Germany. Wagenlehner@AOL.com

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Actinomycosis, a rare abdominal infection, is increasingly diagnosed. This study highlights three cases, emphasizing histopathology for diagnosis and combined surgery with antibiotics for successful treatment, even in extensive cases.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Actinomycosis, caused by Actinomyces species, presents as rare intra-abdominal and extraperitoneal infections.
  • Recent years show an increased frequency in diagnosis of these infections.
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a potential associated factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report three cases of abdominal actinomycosis.
  • To review the literature on abdominal actinomycosis from the last eight years.
  • To emphasize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis was established solely through histopathologic examination in all three reported cases.
  • A comprehensive literature review of abdominal actinomycosis cases from the past eight years was conducted.
  • Treatment involved surgical resection of infected tissue combined with prolonged antibiotic administration.

Main Results:

  • Three cases of abdominal actinomycosis were successfully treated.
  • Histopathologic examination proved crucial for definitive diagnosis.
  • Combined surgical and antibiotic therapy led to complete recovery without recurrence in all patients.
  • The literature review supports the efficacy of combined treatment even for extensive infections.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal actinomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pathologies with insidious onset.
  • The presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) may be a significant risk factor.
  • Combined operative and antibiotic therapy is highly effective for curing abdominal actinomycosis, irrespective of disease spread.

Related Concept Videos

Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria01:30

Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Inhalation Anthrax01:25

Inhalation Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium. It primarily affects herbivorous animals but can be transmitted to humans through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation of spores.Cutaneous anthrax, the most common form, typically results from direct contact with bacterial spores through skin abrasions and is generally less severe. Gastrointestinal anthrax results from eating undercooked or contaminated meat. It affects the mouth, throat, or...
American Trypanosomiasis01:22

American Trypanosomiasis

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan (kinetoplastid) of the family Trypanosomatidae. The disease is endemic in Latin America, although cases are increasingly reported worldwide due to human migration. Transmission most commonly occurs when feces of infected triatomine bugs contaminate bite wounds or mucosal surfaces; additional routes include congenital, transfusional, transplant-related, and oral...