Abstract
Background: Actinomyces-associated osteomyelitis predominantly affects the long bones and is rarely reported in the maxillofacial region. Moreover, its clinical presentation can be atypical, presenting diagnostic challenges and increasing the risk of delayed or inappropriate treatment.
Case presentation: We present a case report of a 42-year-old male who developed acute mandibular osteomyelitis secondary to Actinomyces infection. The patient did not exhibit the typical clinical signs and symptoms of acute osteomyelitis. Instead, his initial presentation to his general medical practitioner closely resembled a routine odontogenic infection, leading to an initial misdiagnosis and delayed management.
Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenge associated with identifying osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces in the absence of classic signs and symptoms of an Actinomyces infection.