Disseminated actinomycosis caused by actinomyces meyeri

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Case Reports

Background:

• Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection typically caused by Actinomyces species.
• Disseminated forms of actinomycosis are uncommon, and specific species involvement can be rare.
• Actinomyces meyeri is a less commonly reported pathogen in human infections.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old male presented with disseminated actinomycosis.
• The infection involved multiple organ systems, including the lungs and intra- and retroperitoneal organs.
• The causative agent was identified as Actinomyces meyeri.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of generalized actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces meyeri.
• The patient received successful treatment with penicillin.
• Penicillin demonstrated efficacy in managing this disseminated Actinomyces meyeri infection.

Implications:

• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Actinomyces meyeri infections.
• It underscores the importance of considering actinomycosis in disseminated infections, even with rare species.
• Penicillin remains a viable and effective treatment option for disseminated actinomycosis.