Unusual acne conglobata case mimicking cervicofacial actinomycosis: A case report with literature review

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Gram positive, anaerobic or microaerophilic bacilli, Actinomyces spp. These are higher prokaryotic bacteria belonging to the family Actinomyceataceae. The most frequent pathogen species encountered is Actinomyces israelii [1] but many different species have been described and are associated with pathogenic conditions specific to anatomical sites [2,3]. Based on the site affected, actinomycosis is clinically classified into cervicofacial, pulmonothoracic and abdominocervical forms, of which the most common form is cervicofacial. Cervicofacial actinomycotic lesions usually present as single or multiple cysts and abscesses or indurated lumps with fistulation and a discharge of sulfur granules [4]. While acne vulgaris is a very common disease, the cases of actinomycosis are relatively rare.