A Case of Primary Cutaneous Actinomycosis

Abstract

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is very uncommon because of the exclusively endogenous habitat of the organism. We report a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis characterized by histopathological "sulfur granules". The patient had a well-defined subcutaneous nodule on the left thigh without any other lesion and was treated with surgical excision and subsequent oral ampicillin for six weeks. There has been no recurrence during a 1-year period of follow-up.

Primary cutaneous actinomycosis: A rare soft tissue infection

“…Primary actinomycosis of the extremity is rare because of the exclusively endogenous habitat of the etiologic organism. [3][4][5] The majority of the cases reported have had a clear history of trauma, either a human bite or a perforating injury with contamination from outside. [3] In this case the patient had acquired the infection through the injection, but the source is not known.…”

Primary actinomycosis of the thigh – a rare soft tissue infection with review of literature

“…Primary disease of the extremities is uncommon and has an association with trauma and bites. 1,4–6 In our case, there was no history of past trauma or surgery and the actinomycosis was primary in nature.…”

Actinomycosis of hand: a case report

“…Based on history of trauma and other findings, the patient was diagnosed as a case of actinomycosis, and he showed an excellent response following surgical debridement and penicillin therapies. Also, other cases from an infection of actinomycosis of the hand have been reported [7][8][9][10].…”