Explore
Actinomycosis is a long-term infection that causes sores, or abscesses, in the body’s soft tissues. Actinomycosis is usually found in the:
What is actinomycosis and what causes it?
a hard, painful swelling in the soft tissue of the mouth, known as a “woody” fibrosis This is the most common form of infection caused by Actinomyces. It accounts for 50 percent of all cases, according to an article published in Antimicrobe.
What are the symptoms of Actinomyces infection?
Most people have Actinomyces bacteria in the lining of the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and urinary tract, and it is present in the female genital tract. The bacteria live harmlessly in the body, but they become dangerous if they spread out of their usual environment.
Where is Actinomyces found in the body?
Actinomyces. Actinomyces species are ubiquitous, occurring in soil and in the microbiota of animals, including the human microbiota. They are known for the important role they play in soil ecology; they produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin, and chitin.
What is the function of Actinomyces in soil?
Which disease is caused by actinomycetes?
Actinomycosis is a rare chronic disease caused by Actinomyces spp., anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that normally colonize the human mouth and digestive and genital tracts.
How do people get Actinomyces?
One of the most common sources of actinomycosis is an oral or a dental abscess. If you've recently had an oral abscess, you should see your doctor right away. Women who've used an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control are also considered at higher risk.
What kind of bacteria is Actinomyces?
Actinomyces species are slow-growing, microaerophilic to facultative anaerobic, gram-positive, filamentous branching bacilli that are known to cause infection in three distinct anatomic sites: cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal. They belong to the order Actinomycetales, along with Mycobacteria and Nocardia.
Which actinomycosis is most common?
PathophysiologyCervicofacial actinomycosis. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is the most common type of the infection, comprising 50-70% of reported cases. ... Thoracic actinomycosis. Thoracic actinomycosis accounts for 15-20% of cases. ... Actinomycosis of the abdomen and pelvis.
How serious is Actinomyces?
Actinomycosis is a rare type of bacterial infection. It can be very serious but can usually be cured with antibiotics.
Can actinomycosis be fatal?
Local actinomycosis in head and neck lesions can be an intractable and sometimes fatal disease. Initial treatment is extremely important. Insufficient dose or intermittent dosage of antibiotics may not be able to control an Actinomyces infection in a patient in an immunocompromised state.
Does Actinomyces need to be treated?
All forms of actinomycosis are treated with high doses of intravenous penicillin G over two to six weeks, followed by oral penicillin V (10). Surgical treatment may be necessary if there is extensive necrotic tissue, sinus tracts, fistulas, or if patients do not respond to medical treatment (4).
What antibiotics treat actinomycosis?
Preferred regimens — We generally suggest high-dose penicillin for actinomycosis [1-3]. Reasonable alternatives include ceftriaxone and amoxicillin.
Where can Actinomyces grow?
Actinomyces species are ubiquitous, occurring in soil and in the microbiota of animals, including the human microbiota. They are known for the important role they play in soil ecology; they produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin, and chitin.
How do I know if I have actinomycosis?
Approaches to the detection of actinomycetes ranged from investigations of neglected habitats and extreme environments (e.g. alkaline soils and oil drills) to the analysis of DNA extracted from the environment and use of specific phages.
Are actinomycetes harmful to humans?
Most people have Actinomyces bacteria in the lining of the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and urinary tract, and it is present in the female genital tract. The bacteria live harmlessly in the body, but they become dangerous if they spread out of their usual environment.
Why is actinomycosis called lumpy jaw?
Actinomyces are gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria that cause disease primarily in cattle and swine but also occasionally in other animals. Lumpy jaw is a localized, chronic, progressive, granulomatous abscess that most frequently involves the mandible, the maxillae, or other bony tissues in the head.
Where are actinomycetes found?
Actinomycetes are found in many habitats, such as freshwater, sea- water, cold- and warm-blooded animals, and composts. The soil, however, is their most important habitat. Viable counts of several millions per gram are common, and over 20 genera have been isolated from soil (Table 45-1).
How do I know if I have Actinomyces?
Upon microscopic examination, Actinomyces isolates typically appear as Gram-positive bacilli that may be coryneform-like with palisading or branching structures and have a positive catalase reaction.
How do I know if I have actinomycosis?
Approaches to the detection of actinomycetes ranged from investigations of neglected habitats and extreme environments (e.g. alkaline soils and oil drills) to the analysis of DNA extracted from the environment and use of specific phages.
Is actinomycosis common?
Actinomycosis is a rare subacute to chronic infection caused by the gram-positive filamentous non-acid fast anaerobic to microaerophilic bacteria, Actinomyces.
Why does Actinomycosis occur?
Actinomycosis happens when the Actinomyces species of bacteria spread through the body because of tissue damage. Most people have Actinomyces bacteria in the lining of the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and urinary tract, and it is present in the female genital tract.
What is the name of the bacteria that live deep inside the body?
In severe cases, the skin can break open, leaking large amounts of pus. Actinomyces bacteria are anaerobic. This means they live deep inside body tissues, where oxygen levels are very low. This type of bacterial infection can be harder to diagnose and often takes longer to treat than other types.
How to diagnose actinomycosis?
To diagnose actinomycosis, a doctor may take a sample of sputum, pus, or tissue to send for microscopic investigation in a laboratory. Sometimes, the laboratory will make a culture of the bacteria. If the infection is present, the pus or tissue will usually contain yellow sulfur granules.
What happens if you pierce a fish bone?
If something sharp pierces the internal body tissues, such as a fish bone in the esophagus, the bacteria can spread . Actinomycosis can also happen if there is tooth decay or gum disease.
What is the name of the disease that resembles other infections?
Actinomycosis can take a variety of forms. It can also resemble other infections, and even neoplasms, or tumors.
How long does actinomycosis last?
Actinomycosis can persist for a long time. Long-term treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin, is common. It may last from 8 weeks to over 12 months.
What is actinomycosis?
Actinomycosis is a rare, infectious disease in which bacteria spread from one part of the body to another through body tissues. Over time, it can result in linked abscesses, pain, and inflammation. It can affect the skin or deeper areas within the body and sometimes the blood.
What is the name of the bacterial infection that causes a mass in the neck and throat?
Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection that occurs most often in the face and neck. Symptoms of actinomycosis include a neck mass, jaw or face pain, and formation of pockets of pus (abscess). When actinomycosis occurs in other parts of the body, symptoms can include cough, chest or stomach pain, fever, and weight loss. It is usually caused by bacteria called Actinomyces israelii. These bacteria are found normally in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract, and do not cause an infection unless there is a break in the skin or mucosa. The infection is not contagious. Actinomycosis is diagnosed based on the history and clinical exam, and through specific laboratory tests. It is treated with antibiotics. [1] [2] [3]
How is actinomycosis diagnosed?
Actinomycosis is diagnosed based on the clinical history, exam, and specific laboratory tests. The most commonly used test is a tissue biopsy of the infected area to look for the presence of the bacteria that cause this infection. [1]
How do you know if you have actinomycosis?
When it occurs in the pelvic area, symptoms may include pain, vaginal bleeding, and swelling. Actinomycosis mainly affects adults but has been reported in children as well. The first symptom is usually the presence of a soft mass in the neck. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment with antibiotics usually leads to recovery.
How long does actinomycosis treatment last?
Treatment may last several weeks and usually results in full recovery. Sometimes surgery is done to reduce the size of the mass. [3] [5] Specialists involved in the care of someone with actinomycosis include: Infectious disease specialist. Dentist or oral surgeon. Last updated: 6/4/2020.
What is DermNet NZ?
DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
What are the symptoms of actinomycosis?
Difficulty opening jaw (lockjaw or trismus) When actinomycosis occurs in chest or stomach, symptoms may include cough, chest or stomach pain, fever, and weight loss. When it occurs in the pelvic area, symptoms may include pain, vaginal bleeding, and swelling.
Why do we post questions on GARD?
Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.
How do doctors diagnose actinomycosis?
To diagnose actinomycosis, a sample of sputum, pus, or tissue may be sent to a lab for microscopic examination. Sometimes, the lab will make a culture of the sample bacteria.
What is the treatment of actinomycosis?
Actinomycosis grows gradually but can severely affect your health. Seeking early treatment is crucial.
What is the name of the disease that affects the face and neck?
Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial disease that usually affects the face and neck and typically caused by the bacteria Actinomyces israelii. These bacteria are found in the nose and throat and normally don't cause infection in healthy tissues. They become dangerous if they spread beyond their usual environment.
What is actinomycosis caused by?
Actinomycosis is an infection that can be caused by disease or tissue damage due to injury or medical procedures.
How long does actinomycosis last?
Since actinomycosis can persist for a long time, treatment duration may be anywhere between 8 weeks to more than a year.
Where does actinomycosis occur?
Because these microorganisms are normally found in the nose and throat, actinomycosis mostly affects the face and neck. Actinomycosis can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen, pelvis, or other parts of the body. It isn't infectious (doesn't spread to others).
Can abscesses look like cancer?
Abscesses can look like cancer growth and may cause symptoms such as tuberculosis. Thus, it is important to identify and rule out other causes of similar symptoms. Your doctor may advise imaging tests such as a computed tomography scan of the affected area.
What type of fimbriae are Actinomyces spp.?
Actinomyces spp. possess fimbriae, involved in the pathogenicity. Type 1 fimbriae are involved in the adherence of the organism to salivary proline-rich proteins that coat the tooth surface. Type 2 fimbriae mediate the receptor-dependent coaggregation between Actinomyces and oral streptococci as well as host cells during the development ...
What is the role of Actinomyces in the pathogens?
Little more is known about the molecular mechanisms by which the Actinomyces cause actinomycosis. Most infections with Actnomyces spp. are polymicrobial and members of the Streptococcus genus are the most commonly associated organisms. They act synergistically by inhibiting host defence mechanisms and reducing oxygen tension in the affected tissue, which enhances growth of Actinomyces spp. [146].
How does actinomycosis spread?
Infection can spread when normal mucosal barriers are disrupted , leading to abscesses with connecting sinus tracts. These abscesses are most commonly found in the face and neck as cervicofacial actinomycosis, but they can also occur throughout the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and central nervous system. Understanding of the virulence factors used by Actinomyces species is limited. One hypothesis is that cell wall lipoproteins induce an overzealous immune response through TLR2, leading to extension of disease beyond mucosal surfaces. 32 In addition, cell wall peptidoglycan has recently been shown to induce alveolar bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis, in addition to recruitment of inflammatory cytokines. 33
What are the polymers that actinomyces produce?
In addition, Actinomyces are able to produce extracellular or cell-associated polymers, such as dextran, levan, glycogen, and N -acetylglucosamine-rich slime polysaccharides, which enable the organism to attach to enamel by making the cells sticky [138]. Actinomyces spp. possess fimbriae, involved in the pathogenicity.
How do Actinomyces act synergistically?
They act synergistically by inhibiting host defence mechanisms and reducing oxygen tension in the affected tissue , which enhances growth of Actinomyces spp. [146]. More is understood about how species of Actinomyces cause plaque formation and periodontal disease.
Where do Actinomyces spp. live?
Actinomyces spp. are gram-positive, obligate anaerobes known to reside in the mouth and intestinal tract. They are morphologically similar to fungus in that they form filamentous branches. Pathology due to proliferation of organisms usually occurs following injury or trauma to tissue, resulting in actinomycosis (abscess formation and swelling at the site of infection). Microscopic examination of pus reveals exudates with granular texture caused by sulfur granules, resulting from the bacterium and its waste. A. israelii is most commonly associated with actinomycosis; however, other Actinomyces bacteria are capable of causing disease. Actinomycosis can be treated with penicillin.
What order are Actinomyces?
Actinomyces species are slow-growing, microaerophilic to facultative anaerobic, gram-positive, filamentous branching bacilli that are known to cause infection in three distinct anatomic sites: cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal. 26 They belong to the order Actinomycetales, along with Mycobacteria and Nocardia.
What is the most common cause of oral abscesses?
Actinobacteria are normally present in the gums, and are the most common cause of infection in dental procedures and oral abscesses. Many Actinomyces species are opportunistic pathogens of humans and other mammals, particularly in the oral cavity. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause actinomycosis, a disease characterized by the formation of abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. Actinomycosis is most frequently caused by A. israelii, which may also cause endocarditis, though the resulting symptoms may be similar to those resulting from infections by other bacterial species. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans has been identified as being of note in periodontal disease .
What are the symptoms of a dog with actinomyces?
Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Actinomyces species have also been shown to infect the central nervous system in a dog "without history or evidence of previous trauma or other organ involvement.". Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare but proven complication of use of intrauterine devices.
What causes a lumpy jaw?
The genus is typically the cause of oral-cervicofacial disease. It is characterized by a painless "lumpy jaw". Lymphadenopathy is uncommon in this form of the disease. Another form of actinomycosis is thoracic disease, which is often misdiagnosed as a neoplasm, as it forms a mass that extends to the chest wall. It arises from aspiration of organisms from the oropharynx. Symptoms include chest pain, fever, and weight loss. Abdominal disease is another manifestation of actinomycosis. This can lead to a sinus tract that drains to the abdominal wall or the perianal area. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Actinomyces species have also been shown to infect the central nervous system in a dog "without history or evidence of previous trauma or other organ involvement."
What is pelvic actinomycosis?
Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare but proven complication of use of intrauterine devices. In extreme cases, pelvic abscesses might develop. Treatment of pelvic actinomycosis associated with intrauterine devices involves removal of the device and antibiotic treatment.
How long does it take to cure actinomycosis?
Treatment for actinomycosis consists of antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin for 5 to 12 months, as well as surgery if the disease is extensive.
What is the name of the organism that is found in soil?
The aspect of these colonies initially led to the incorrect assumption that the organism was a fungus and to the name Actinomyces, "ray fungus" (from Greek actis, ray or beam, and mykes, fungus). Actinomyces species are ubiquitous, occurring in soil and in the microbiota of animals, including the human microbiota.
What is commensal flora?
Certain species are commensal in the skin flora, oral flora, gut flora, and vaginal flora of humans and livestock. They are also known for causing diseases in humans and livestock, usually when they opportunistically gain access to the body's interior through wounds.
What bacteria are most common on failed implants?
Comment: Actinomycetes were the most common bacteria on failed dental implants -A. odontolyticus > A. naeslundii = A. viscosus > A. israelii; A. georgiae, A. geroneseriae and A. graevenitzii were rare.
Which chronic lung disease simulates lung cancer?
Comment: Authors call attention to the common features of actinomyces and nocardiosis - both often cause chronic lung disease that simulates lung cancer or TB.
What are the risk factors for actinomycosis?
Infections usually polymicrobial and may include abscess formation. Risk factors: poor oral hygiene, heavy alcohol use, and smoking have been associated with this form of actinomycosis. Osteonecrosis of jaw: post chemotherapy, radiation therapy or post-bisphosphonate--sometimes associated.
What are the most common types of infections?
Comment: Different than the usual actino--aerobic growth, microscopic morphology (no branching), and the types and location of infections. Abscesses and infected atheromas are the most frequent types of infections, followed by infected skin structures, endophthalmitis, and bacteremias, including endocarditis.
What is a surgical diagnosis?
Surgery: usually reserved for suspected neoplasm, to establish diagnosis, lesion in vital area (epidural, CNS, etc.), large mass or unresponsiveness to treatment.
What is the name of the granules in a CT aspirate?
Microscopic exam of biopsies, CT guided aspirates or drainage: may show characteristic "sulfur granules" (Gram-positive filamentous branching rods radiating from a central core), but may lack Gram stain evidence and just show granulomatous changes, necrosis or acute and chronic inflammation.
What is the A of HACEK?
Musculoskeletal: lesions in either muscle, bone or (rarely) joint. Cardiac: endocarditis (The "A" of HACEK is Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans now known as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans)
What is Actinomycosis?
Actinomycosis is the name given to a prolonged infection which affects the soft tissues of the body and causes sores or abscesses to develop . Actinomycosis is normally found in mouth, nose, throat, lungs, stomach, and the intestines. Apart from these regions it is very rare that Actinomycosis develops anywhere else, although it may spread from its initial location to other parts of the body, especially if the soft tissues are damaged excessively due to Actinomycosis.
How is Actinomycosis Diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose Actinomycosis is by collecting a tissue sample from the affected area and then analyze it under a microscope. This will confirm the presence of the offending bacterium and confirm the diagnosis of Actinomycosis.
What are the Long Term Complications of Actinomycosis?
In some cases Actinomycosis in the nasal sinuses can reach the brain and cause some serious problems for the patient like meningitis.
What is the Prognosis for Actinomycosis?
With prompt treatment and diligent followup an individual can get completely cured from Actinomycosis.
How do you know if you have actinomycosis?
The symptoms of Actinomycosis depend on the tissue that has been affected. If the tissue in the mouth is affected then the patient will feel a lump in the jaw. This lump in itself is not painful but it can cause painful abscesses in the area. The affected individual can also experience a locked jaw such that he or he is not able to open ...
What is the root cause of a fungal infection?
Actinomycosis was first felt to be a fungal infection as it used to spread very slowly but later on it was found out that bacterium known as Actinomycetaceae is the root cause behind Actinomycosis. Other bacteria that belong to this class are: Actinomyces israelii. Actinomyces naeslundii. Actinomyces viscosus.
How long does it take for Actinomycosis to clear up?
Penicillin is given in high doses for treating the disease condition like tetracycline, clindamycin, and erythromycin. It usually takes up to 12 months for the entire infection to clear up.
What is the most common disease in kangaroos?
Actinomycosis is the most common infectious disease of kangaroos ( 7 ). In 1958, Batty ( 8) isolated A. odontolyticus from persons with advanced dental caries. During the ensuing 40+ years, 23 patients with invasive infection caused by A. odontolyticus have been described in North America, Europe, and Asia ( 9 – 16 ).
What is the clinical disease of A. odontolyticus?
Clinical disease in patients with A. odontolyticusclosely resembles disease caused by A. israeliiand other actinomyces species. Similar to A. israeliiinfections, those caused by A. odontolyticusprimarily involve the cervicofacial regions, the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with rare involvement of the central nervous system, bones, and joints. Additional similarities include a more frequent occurrence in men than women and a peak incidence in the middle decades of life. Clinical features in 97% of 181 patients with actinomycosis including the following: mass or swelling, pulmonary disease, draining abscesses, abdominal disease, dental disease, and intracranial infection (17).
What is Actinomyces odontolyticus?
Actinomyces odontolyticusis an anaerobic, facultative capnophilic, gram-positive, nonsporulating, nonacid fast, non-motile, irregularly staining bacterium. Sometimes short or medium-sized rods resembling diphtheroids are seen. Shorter rods resembling propionibacteria are frequently seen with A. odontolyticusand may be arranged in palisades as well as other diphtheroidal arrangements. On blood agar, the bacteria develop as small, irregular, whitish colonies that are smooth to slightly granular and show a dark red pigment when mature (2–14 days). This pigmentation is most obvious when the cultures are left standing in air at room temperature after primary anaerobic isolation. The organism also grows well on CNA and Brucella agar.
What is the major pathogen for actinomycosis?
The major human pathogen for actinomycosis, A. israelii,was identified in two patients in 1878 and fully delineated by Israel (5). In 1891, Wolff and Israel (6) described the cultural characteristics and its anaerobic growth. Since then, studies have identified A. naeslundii, A. viscosus, A. pyogenes, A denticolens, A. howellii, A. hordeovulneris,and A. meyeriin humans as well as in dogs and cats. Actinomycosis is the most common infectious disease of kangaroos (7).
Where was Actinomycosis discovered?
Actinomycosis is a disease of antiquity, having most likely infected the jaw of a fossil rhinoceros ( 1) and the ribs of a man discovered in southeastern Ontario, Canada, who by radiocarbon dating lived 230 A.D. + 55 ( 2 ). In 1877, Bollinger and Harz ( 3) named the genus Actinomyces when they described the etiologic agent of bovine actinomycosis ...
How often is doxycycline given?
Because of a penicillin allergy, 1 g of doxycycline was given intravenously to the patient every 12 hours for 2 weeks. Follow-up blood cultures were sterile. The patient’s dental health appeared normal and no source for the bacteremia was identified. The patient entered complete remission.
How long does it take for a blood agar to show red?
On blood agar, the bacteria develop as small, irregular, whitish colonies that are smooth to slightly granular and show a dark red pigment when mature (2–14 days). This pigmentation is most obvious when the cultures are left standing in air at room temperature after primary anaerobic isolation.
