Actinomycosis and Botryomycosis

Abstract

A mother bathing her four year old child noticed a rubbery tender mass on his back. X-rays showed a soft-tissue density with reactive new bone in underlying ribs, a process that extended to the pleura and the upper part of the right lower lobe. Drainage of the mass yielded copious pus, and anaerobic culture grew actinomyces. Botryomycosis has a similar pattern of involvement. Specific x-ray changes in both conditions should lead to correct diagnosis and antibiotic therapy.