The topic Wooden Tongue you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Cervicofacial 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
• Cervicofacial Actinomycosis is the most common type of actinomycosis, occurring in over half of the reported cases. It involves the jaw, mouth, and neck, and is also known as Oral Cervicofacial Actinomycosis
• The condition is reported worldwide in all age groups. However, adult men are reportedly more susceptible to this infection when compared to women and children
• Poor dental hygiene, injury to the jaw, or dental procedures may allow entry of the bacteria into deep tissue, where they proliferate in low oxygen conditions to cause the infection
• 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
• Analysis of pus under the microscope to check for “sulfur granules”, culture of organisms from pus or tissue sample, and imaging of abscesses may all be employed towards establishing the diagnosis of Cervicofacial Actinomycosis
• With prompt diagnosis and sustained treatment with antibiotics, 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

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