Actinomyces odontolyticus catheter related bloodstream infection in a hemodialysis patient - First reported case

Actinomyces odontolyticus is a gram-positive bacillus, usually found in oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract as human commensal flora. Infection caused by this organism is rare but may occur in an immunocompromised patient. This organism has been known difficult to be cultured. We reported a case of 60 years old woman, on regular hemodialysis for the past 3 years, who had Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteremia due to catheter-related bloodstream infection. She was treated with antibiotics for 3 weeks and was referred to dentist for dental clearance. We believe this is the first case report of Actinomyces odontolyticus bacteremia in a hemodialysis patient. This case report highlighted the importance of looking for the primary source (in this case oral cavity) as this is usually an endogenous infection arising most frequently from mucosal membrane. Early eradication of the primary source may help to fasten the recovery and prevent it re-occurs in the future.