Mandibular osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces Israelii. Report of a case

An unusual case of cervicofacial actinomycosis with cortical osteomyelitis of the ascending ramus is presented. The portal of entry of the infection was most probably by an extra oral route. The authors have emphasized the importance of repeated smear examinations, cultures, and sensitivity tests to rule out actinomycosis in such cervicofacial infections. The difficulties encountered in the isolation of A. Israelii are discussed.