The use of Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) does carry a risk of infection; actinomycetaceae are the most likely cause of pelvic actinomycosis [1] [2] [3]. Some case reports and case series have described actinomycosis, and it has been suggested that the incidence of this complication is higher than generally thought [3] [4]. Pyometra and pelvic actinomycosis-like abscess due to Propionibacterium propionicum (formerly known as Arachnia propionica) is, however, an even rarer occurrence. To date, only a few case report publications have reported such instances with only one showing positive culture of the anaerobe P. propionicum which normally resides in sweat glands and on the skin [5] [6] [7]. Here we report a case of pyometra and pelvic actinomycosis-like abscess, linked to an in situ intrauterine contraceptive device.

A 41-year-old female, para 2, admitted to hospital for right iliac fossa pain, plus reduced appetite and weight loss, that had been present for two months. Furthermore, the patient had generalized tenderness in lower abdomen. Observations showed normal blood pressure and pulse, but raised temperature of 37.8°C. Computed tomography scan revealed bilateral predominantly cystic ovarian masses with solid component, plus multiple peritoneal nodules with pelvic free fluid (Figure 1) and (Figure 2). Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis showed a normal-sized anteverted uterus with an IUCD in situ within the endometrial cavity. It confirmed earlier CT scan findings regarding bilateral complex adnexal cysts; measurements were 70x63x61 mm (right) and 63x48x54 mm (left). The right ovary was separate from the cyst, but the left ovary was not separate from the adnexal cyst. White cell count and C-reactive protein results were only slightly raised 13x10⁹/L and 119 mg/L respectively, and tumor markers CA125, CEA and CA19-9 were normal.

Due to the case complexity, planned laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy, adhesiolysis, drainage of left ovarian abscess, right mesosalpinx cystectomy, right partial salpingectomy and removal of IUCD. Frank pus exuded from the cervical ostium during the IUCD removal. Tissue and pus specimens were sent for histology and microbiological testing respectively. Histology reporting matched the tumor marker results: benign tissues with chronic inflammatory features.

Gram stain of the original sample showed few pus cells and mixed organisms including Actinomyces-like organisms. No growth resulted from direct culture, but the anaerobic five-day culture yielded colonies with a "breadcrumb" appearance and Gram stain showed Gram-positive, long, branching rods (Figure 3). The isolate was given a presumptive identification of "Actinomyces species" and referred to an anaerobic reference unit for confirmation and susceptibility testing. There were three anaerobic organisms listed below identified with 16S PCR molecular techniques: P. propionicum, Campylobacter rectus – both susceptible to penicillin and clindamycin - and Eikenella corrodens, resistant to penicillin and clindamycin.

The patient was started on a regime of intravenous amoxicillin (1 gram tid for 6 weeks) followed by oral amoxicillin 1 gram tid for six months. She responded well to amoxicillin and gradually symptoms abated. After six weeks of antibiotic therapy, follow-up CT scan revealed two small fluid collections, which were most likely post-operative and did not warrant drainage. Further notable improvement was noted at sixth-month follow-up visit via computed tomography scan (Figure 4) and (Figure 5).

To our knowledge, this is the second reported confirmed case of an IUCD-related P. propionicum actinomycotic-like pelvic abscess after Wunderink's report in 2011 [7]. Our patient showed clinical symptoms akin to actinomycotic pelvic abscess: abdominal pain, weight loss and fever. This aided us to form a differential diagnosis and to progress a microbiological investigation. Often, patients with abscess undergo surgery and the result may be hysterectomy or otherwise. Since antibiotic treatment can lead to significant clinical improvements once the exact pathogen has been identified, it is essential to initiate sampling and sensitivity tests promptly. In the past, a Papanicolaou smear has been suggested as a useful adjunct diagnostic tool [4] [8]. Presently, molecular profiling with 16S PCR is a powerful tool for detecting the exact strains present in a pathological specimen.

A thorough medical history, including determining whether a patient uses an IUCD, and imaging form the standard diagnostic arsenal for clinicians consulting patients who present with general malaise and abdominal tenderness. Actinomycotic, and actinomycotic-like, pelvic infection may be more common condition than the levels of published data suggest. One study showed that 3% of patients with an IUCD in situ have test positive for actinomycetes infection–some of which were asymptomatic. Therefore, it is prudent to suspect infection in women with IUCD in situ who are symptomatic. Molecular profiling of tissue and pus specimens can further pinpoint the source of infection, and allow tailored antibiotic treatment.

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