Pelvic Actinomycosis Masquerading as Malignancy

Abstract

Pelvic actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous suppurative disease caused by Actinomyces israeli. The opportunistic anaerobic bacterium Actinomycosis israeli is a normal part of the human flora in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal and genital tract. More than 50% of actinomycosis infections occur in the craniofacial region. Pelvic infection accounts for 20% of human cases. Abdominal-pelvic actinomycosis is often mistaken for other conditions, presenting a pre-operative diagnostic challenge.