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Cervicofacial actinomycosis (a case report)
1Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye.
Abstract:
Actinomycosis is now a very uncommonly diagnosed human disease. Major medical centers report approximately one case a year. The pathogenesis of actinomycosis is unclear, but trauma provides a portal of entry. The cervicofacial form is the most common and usually appears as a chronic swelling with one or more draining sinus tracts. For treatment, penicillin in high doses is suggested. This case report presents a case of cervicofacial actinomycosis in a 14 year old boy which was misdiagnosed for a long time and the treatment of the disease with mezlocillin, a new antibiotic in the treatment of actinomycosis.
Insights
Actinomycosis is a rare human disease, often presenting as chronic swelling. This case highlights successful treatment of cervicofacial actinomycosis in a teen using mezlocillin.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection, with cervicofacial being the most common form.
- Pathogenesis remains unclear, though trauma is a suspected entry point.
- High-dose penicillin is the traditional treatment for actinomycosis.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy presented with a prolonged misdiagnosis of cervicofacial actinomycosis.
- The condition manifested as chronic swelling with draining sinus tracts.
- Initial diagnoses did not identify the underlying actinomycosis.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of cervicofacial actinomycosis was achieved using mezlocillin.
- Mezlocillin, a newer antibiotic, demonstrated efficacy in this case.
- The patient's prolonged symptoms underscore diagnostic challenges in rare infections.
Implications:
- This case expands treatment options for actinomycosis, particularly the cervicofacial form.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering rare diagnoses in persistent infections.
- Further research into novel antibiotic treatments for actinomycosis is warranted.