Actinomyces odontolyticus infection 3 months post-robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Abstract

Actinomyces odontolyticus infection is a rare bacterial infection with only 46 cases reported from its discovery in 1958. This case highlights an immunocompetent patient who presented with an infected lymphocele and bacteraemia following a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection 3 months previously. He was treated for a fever of unclear origin initially using amoxicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole. Subsequently, he was found to have an infected lymphocele, which required surgical drainage. He was discharged 19 days after admission with three times daily oral amoxicillin which is to be continued for 6–12 months. This case highlights the need for effective communication between the laboratory and medical teams, and the importance of prompt source control.