Subcutaneous abscesses and pulmonary infiltrate due to actinomyces infection. Case report.

Although Actinomyces israelii is part of the normal flora of the mouth, local trauma or poor dental hygiene may precipitate invasive infection. Hematogenous dissemination is rare. A case of pulmonary and subcutaneous actinomycosis is presented. The characteristic appearance of actinomycotic abscesses, and the importance of correct handling of tissue specimens and adequate information to the microbiologist are emphasized.