Submandibular space abscess due to actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

A submandibular space abscess is reported in which a pure culture of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was identified. The bacterium may often be overlooked as a pathogen due to its slow growth and its requirement for carbon dioxide for primary isolation. As A. actinomycetemcomitans is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics, proper management is based on careful utilization of microbiologic tests and clinical judgement. In this case prompt surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy resolved the abscess.