Actinomycosis in histopathology - Review of literature

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative granulomatous inflammation caused by Actinomyces israelli which is a gram positive organism that is a normal commensal in humans. Multiple clinical features of actinomycosis have been described, as various anatomical sites can be affected. It most commonly affects the head and neck (50%). In any site, actinomycosis frequently mimics malignancy, tuberculosis or nocardiosis. Physicians must be aware of clinical presentations but also that actinomycosis mimicking malignancy. In most cases, diagnosis is often possible after surgical exploration. Following the confirmation of diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy with high doses of Penicillin G or Amoxicillin is required. This article is intended to review the clinical presentations, histopathology and complications of actinomycosis in various sites of the body.