Clinical Gastroenterology Journal

From Crohn’s Mimic to Rare Complication: A Case of Actinomyces Bacteremia in an Immunocompromised Patient with Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Claire Harrington BS, Esteban Figueroa and Brian Behm

Abdominal actinomycosis has been described in the literature as a Crohn's disease mimic due to its indolent course and propensity to cause abscesses and fistulae. Actinomycosis rarely presents as an infectious complication in patients with IBD. We present a case of a 21-year-old male with Crohn's disease on immunosuppression, statuspost diverting loop ileostomy that developed a pelvic abscess complicated by Actinomyces bacteremia. Appropriate diagnosis of Actinomycosis can be delayed due to the fastidious growth in anaerobic blood cultures. Treatment involves a prolonged course (6-12 months) of antibiotics.