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Direct Observation of Phagocytosis and NET-formation by Neutrophils in Infected Lungs using 2-photon Microscopy
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Published on: June 2, 2011

Nasopharyngeal actinomycosis

Lamia Ouertatani1, Yassine Jeblaoui, Salima Kharrat

  • 1Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale, Hopital la Rabta, Tunis 1007, Tunisia.

Case Reports in Otolaryngology
|September 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Nasopharyngeal actinomycosis, a rare bacterial infection, can occur without prior trauma. This study highlights three cases successfully treated with penicillin, improving prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection.
  • It typically follows nasal trauma or surgery but can occur idiopathically.
  • Idiopathic cases present diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • Presents three cases of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis in patients without prior trauma.
  • Case 1: 16-year-old boy with posterior nasopharyngeal wall thickening.
  • Case 2 & 3: 42-year-old women with nasopharyngeal thickening/inflammation, poor dental hygiene, and lymphadenopathy.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis confirmed via anaerobic microbial culturing of biopsy specimens.
  • Penicillin treatment was successful in all three patients.
  • Delayed diagnosis in trauma-unrelated cases did not impede successful treatment.

Implications:

  • Antibiotic therapy, particularly penicillin, is effective for nasopharyngeal actinomycosis.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve patient outcomes.
  • Highlights the importance of considering actinomycosis even without a history of trauma.

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