Pediatric cervicofacial actinomycosis - case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize important features in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with childhood cervical actinomycosis. SUBJECT AND METHODS: We report the case of a patient with cervicofacial actinomycosis. We also carried out a review of the literature from the past few years (Lilacs and Medline). RESULTS: We followed a male patient admitted to the pediatric infectious disease ward. Diagnosis was carried out through biopsy of a cervical node and isolation of bacteria. Specific penicillin treatment for actinomycosis was administered for 14 days. Subsequently, we observed remission of the node. The patient was discharged from the hospital. At least 6 months of amoxycillin therapy with simultaneous outpatient follow-up were recommended. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of actinomycosis enables appropriate and prompt treatment, thus preventing the involvement of other areas such as CNS, face, and neck.