소아 구개편도에서 발생한 방선균증 1예

Actinomycosis is a rare subacute-to-chronic bacterial infection caused by filamentous, gram-positive, anaerobicto-microaerophilic bacteria that are not acid fast. These bacteria grow slowly in anaerobic-to-microaerophilic conditions, forming colonies with a characteristic molar tooth appearance. The most common isolated species are Actinomyces israeli. Actinomycosis is characterized by contiguous spread, suppurative and granulomatous inflammatory reaction, and formation of multiple abscesses and sinus tracts that discharge sulfur granules. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is the most common manifestation, comprising 50-70% of reported cases. Infection typically occurs following oral surgery or in patients with poor dental hygiene. The sulfur granules are practically pathognomonic for this infection. We experienced a case of actinomycosis of the palatine tonsil, which was confirmed after the tonsillectomy. Thus, we report this case with a review of the literature. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2006;17:120-123)