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Cutaneous Actinomycosis of Popliteal Fossa: A Rare Case Report
Shiv Kumar1, Samriti Goyal1, Harpal Singh1
1Department of Pathology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India.
Introduction:
Cutaneous actinomycosis of popliteal fossa is quite unusual, chronic granulomatous disease caused by a group of anaerobic or microaerophilic Gram positive filamentous bacteria that colonize the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract. Actinomycosis of popliteal fossa is rare clinical condition; therefore, recognition of this entity needs high degree of suspicion as the organism is specific internal habitant; primary involvement of extremities is rare.
Case Report:
This case report presents a rare case of actinomycosis of popliteal fossa (left side) in a 40-year-old male patient. The patient complained of presence of a mass with multiple pus oozing sinuses over popliteal fossa. The X-ray of leg revealed presence of foreign body. Histopathological examination of the biopsy from the lesions confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous actinomycosis.
Conclusion:
Cutaneous actinomycosis is a disease with great diagnostic challenge and requires high degree of suspicion for the early diagnosis which avoids unnecessary surgery and decreased morbidity and mortality.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of cutaneous actinomycosis in the popliteal fossa, a chronic granulomatous disease caused by bacteria. Early diagnosis of this unusual extremity infection is crucial for effective treatment and reduced patient morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutaneous actinomycosis is a rare, chronic granulomatous disease caused by Gram-positive filamentous bacteria.
- These bacteria are typically found in the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract; primary involvement of extremities is uncommon.
- Actinomycosis of the popliteal fossa is a rare clinical presentation requiring a high index of suspicion.
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