Cutaneous Actinomycosis of Popliteal Fossa: A Rare Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous actinomycosis of popliteal fossa is quite unusual, chronic granulomatous disease caused by a group of anaerobic or microaerophilic Gram positive filamentous bacteria that colonize the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract. Actinomycosis of popliteal fossa is rare clinical condition; therefore, recognition of this entity needs high degree of suspicion as the organism is specific internal habitant; primary involvement of extremities is rare. CASE REPORT: This case report presents a rare case of actinomycosis of popliteal fossa (left side) in a 40-year-old male patient. The patient complained of presence of a mass with multiple pus oozing sinuses over popliteal fossa. The X-ray of leg revealed presence of foreign body. Histopathological examination of the biopsy from the lesions confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous actinomycosis. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous actinomycosis is a disease with great diagnostic challenge and requires high degree of suspicion for the early diagnosis which avoids unnecessary surgery and decreased morbidity and mortality.