Publication:

Actinomycosis of the appendix mimicking appendiceal tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Actinomycosis is an uncommon entity caused by an anaerobic bacterium, Actinomyces Israeli, a component of the human oral and gastrointestinal flora. However, it can cause clinical disease, usually consisting of chronic inflammation and sinus tract formation. Abdominal actinomycosis, a rare entity itself, most commonly occurs at the appendix and in the ileocecal valve area. Authors present the case of a 24-year-old patient in which this disease presented as acute appendicitis resolved with a simple appendicectomy, and the etiology, actinomycosis was proved only in the histopathological report.