Actinomyces odontolyticus Infection of a Marsupialized Vallecular Cyst in a Two-Month-Old Infant: A Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

Actinomyces is a rare cause of cervicofacial infections, particularly in children. Children with Actinomyces infection often have delayed diagnoses due to low culture sensitivity and variable and indistinct presentations that resemble other pathologies, such as malignancy or tuberculosis. Once the diagnosis is made, a prolonged course of antibiotics is required, often in addition to surgical debridement or drainage. We report a case of a vallecular cyst with superimposed Actinomyces infection in a two-month-old girl. The low prevalence of Actinomyces infections and the variable non-specific presentations can delay diagnosis and treatment of Actinomyces infections.