Actinomycosis-like Propionibacterium propionicum infection associated with use of intrauterine contraceptive device: a case report

Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive devices generally carry a low risk of complications. Infection, possibly due to damage caused upon insertion, can occur and actinomycetaceae are the most likely cause of pelvic actinomycosis. Case report: A 41-year-old female presented with a two-month history of raised temperature, weight loss and abdominal tenderness. Contrast tomography imaging indicated pyometria and pelvic actinomycosis-like abscess linked to intrauterine contraceptive device use. Full microbiological reporting, including anaerobic cultures and 16S PCR, identified the bacterium Propionibacterium propionicum. A six-month course of amoxicillin resolved the infection and the patient made a full recovery. Conclusion: Increased IUCD-related actinomycosis awareness and improved diagnostics may increase detection of P. propionicum, a pathogen rarely reported on to date.