== Clinical Summary ==

This 18-year-old black female felt well until one year before death, when she developed a persistent, progressive skin rash and weight loss. One month before death, draining abscesses appeared in the perirectal region. Biopsy showed actinomycosis. Despite treatment, the patient died.

== Images ==

File:IPLab9Actinomycosis5.jpg|This is a high-power photomicrograph of an actinomycotic colony. The filamentous nature (arrows) of the actinomyces organisms is more easily appreciated at this power.

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== Study Questions ==