Pelvic abscess associated with Actinomyces species ‒ a rare post-cesarean complication

Abstract

Objectives Pelvic actinomycotic abscess is uncommon and its presentation as a post-cesarean complication may be confused with hemorrhagic mass. It is still a disease that poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Management and prognosis are not well known for this type of infection. Case presentation A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital six days after the cesarean section with abdominal pain and dysuria. The second operation was diagnosed as pelvic abscess, debridement and drainage about 250 mL abscess. Bacterial culture of abscess confirmed as Actinomyces odontolyticus infection. Intravenous penicillin was given immediately, amoxicillin was taken orally for three months after discharge, and no recurrence was found after follow-up for ten months. Conclusions Pelvic A. odontolyticus abscess may be confirmed through correct bacterial culture and cured by a short-term course of Amoxicillin. With prompt recognition and treatment, favorable outcomes of pelvic Actinomycotic abscess in the perinatal period could be achieved.