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Hand infection caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|May 1, 1986
Summary
A rare hand infection caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a bacteria not previously linked to such cases, was documented. This case highlights the potential for unusual pathogens in chronic wrist synovitis and hand abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacterium typically associated with periodontal disease and systemic infections.
- Hand infections can arise from various bacterial sources, often requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A patient presented with chronic wrist synovitis and a subcutaneous abscess of the hand.
- The causative agent identified was Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of a hand infection secondary to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
- The bacteria's presence in a non-oral, non-systemic infection site is unusual.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of infections caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
- Clinicians should consider unusual bacterial pathogens in refractory or atypical hand infections.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the pathogenesis of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in hand infections.