Splenic abscesses caused by Actinomyces meyeri in a patient with autoimmune hepatitis

We report a case of actinomycosis with uncommon localizations that was due to Actinomyces meyeri. Although penicillin is the standard treatment for th is condition, our patient was treated successfully with imipenem. Actinomyc es organisms are important constituents of the normal flora of mucous membr anes and are considered opportunistic pathogens; these organisms may produc e infection after local trauma, surgery, or aspiration. The mains forms of actinomycosis are cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal; most cases are du e to Actinomyces israelii, whereas other Actinomyces species are occasional ly implicated. Actinomycosis usually occurs in immunocompetent persons, but may occur in persons with diminished host defenses. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Inc. All rights reserved.