Primary Actinomycosis in the breast caused by Actinomyces neuii . A report of 2 cases

Abstract

Actinomycosis is a slowly progressive infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, primarily from the genus Actinomyces. Primary actinomycosis of the breast is rare and presents as a mass like density which can mimic malignancy. Mammography, ultrasonography and histopathologic examination is required for diagnosis. Treatment should consist of high doses of antibacterials for a prolonged period of time and possibly surgical drainage. Primary actinomycosis infections are commonly caused by A. israelii. Actinomyces neuii is a less common cause of classical actinomycosis. We present two cases of primary actinomycosis of the breast in two female patients caused by A. neuii.

Actinomycosis of the breast and lungs

“…[1][2][3]5 Actinomycosis causing breast abscess is rare in men [8][9][10][11][12] as well as in women. 4,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] As a cause of miliary lung lesions [24][25][26][27][28] or of spontaneous sinus tracts exiting the sternum, 29,30 it is even rarer. Yet, all three of these manifestations were evident simultaneously in our patient.…”

An Actinomyces neuii‐infected cyst in a 77‐year‐old patient

“…Moreover, in another case, A. neuii was considered as a skin commensal in a small abscess-like density in the breast. After a wait-and-see strategy for several months, the patient returned with pain and an enlargement of the lesion [2]. It is possible that our case was treated early and thus prevented the development of mass-like infections and organ involvement.…”

Actinomyces neuii, an Uncommon Pathogen in a Soft Tissue Infection: a Case Report

“…We know that abscess is the most commonly reported clinical manifestation and there is a certain predilection in anatomical areas such as in the mammary, axillary, and inguinal areas; however, its anatomical location is highly variable as in the case presented below [5,6].…”