Actinomycotic Brain Abscess Developed 10 Years after Head Trauma

Abstract

Actinomyces species are members of the endogenous flora of mucous membranes, and are frequently cultured from the gastrointestinal tract, bronchi, and female genital tract. Infections due to Actinomyces are usually associated with the breakdown of normal physical barriers, such as disruption of mucosal membranes in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The major sites of actinomycoses are cervicofacial, abdominopelvic, and thoracic sites, where it usually presents with the development of an abscess, a draining sinus tract, fistulae, and tissue fibrosis.1 Less common sites of actinomycotic infection include the central nervous system (CNS) and musculoskeletal soft tissue. In Korea, only two cases of CNS actinomycoses have been reported.2,3 Herein, we report a rare case of CNS actinomycosis that caused a cerebral abscess.