Actinomyces Infection

Actinomyces Infection

Article
Brain & Nerve
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
+5
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 11, 2018

The topic Actinomyces Infection you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Actinomycosis.

Quick Summary:

  • Actinomycosis is a rare and chronic infection, caused predominantly by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii and to a lesser extent by other Actinomyces species
  • They exist naturally in the mucous lining of the nose, throat, mouth, digestive tract, and female reproductive tract, and are not normally harmful. These anaerobic bacteria have the ability to grow in the absence of oxygen, or in reduced concentrations of oxygen
  • However, any injury, trauma, or surgical procedure can cause the bacterial cells to enter deeper tissues, where they are not normally found. Since these bacteria can grow without oxygen, they can thrive in such environments, resulting in infection
  • Although Actinomycosis typically affects the head and neck area, the infection can also affect other areas, such as the chest, abdomen and pelvic region. Based on the area of the body affected, Actinomycosis is divided into the following subtypes:
    • Cervicofacial (neck, jaw, mouth)
    • Extrafacial bone and joint
    • Thoracic (lungs)
    • Digestive tract (abdominal)
    • Pelvic (pelvis)
    • Central nervous system (CNS)
    • Cutaneous
  • The infection occurs more often in men. However, women using intra-uterine devices (IUDs) may be prone to Actinomycosis as well
  • The bacteria are slow-growing and the infection leads to the formation of hard, red or purple pus-filled abscess in the affected tissue. The abscess may drain and this can be accompanied by pain and fever
  • Examination of the drainage under microscope and culture of affected tissue specimen and imaging techniques may be employed to diagnose Actinomycosis. The pus or drainage is checked for “sulfur granules”. These granules do not contain sulfur, but are thus named for their characteristic appearance
  • Prolonged treatment with antibiotics is necessary to remove the infection. In some cases, the abscess may need to be surgically drained or removed
  • With a prompt diagnosis and sustained treatment, Actinomycosis is curable. However, if the infection becomes generalized via spread of bacteria through the bloodstream, it can spread to other organs and tissues. In such cases, the recovery can be prolonged 

Please find comprehensive information on Actinomycosis regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!