Middle ear actinomycosis

Abstract

Actinomycosis subacute to chronic infection caused by actinomyces. Actinomyces is filamentous, Gram-positive, anaerobic, nonacid-fast microaerophilic bacteria. Although it is considered as normal flora it is rarely colonize middle ear. The aim is to report the case of middle ear actinomycosis. We present 35-year-old female complain of recurrent left ear discharge. The whole tympanic membrane was bulging (due to granulation tissue behind it) with tiny hole that are discharging. Underwent tympano-mastoidectomy surgery with surgery finding of whitish material and granulation tissue in the middle ear. Histopathology of that material reported as the colony of actinomyces. Middle ear actinomycosis although is rare infection but should be done as one of differential diagnoses for recurrent otorrhea. Both surgical treatment and antibiotics are recommended as treatment for middle ear actinomycosis.