Diseases
actinomycosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Actinomycosis is a chronic localized or hematogenous anaerobic infection caused by Actinomyces israelii and other species of Actinomyces. Findings are a local abscess with multiple draining sinuses, a tuberculosis-like pneumonitis, and low-grade systemic symptoms.
Symptoms
- swelling and inflammation at the site of the infection
- tissue damage and scar tissue
- abscesses, or pus-filled lumps
- small holes or tunnels in tissue called fistulas that can leak a kind of lumpy p
Causes
- actinomycosis happens when the actinomyces species of bacteria spread through the body because of tissue damage.
- the bacteria live harmlessly in the body, but they become dangerous if they spread out of their usual environment.
- this can happen as a result of: disease tissue damage due, for example, to injury or surgery
Risk factors
- injury
- surgery
Diagnosis
- blood cultures.
- microscopy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is actinomycosis?
Actinomycosis is a chronic localized or hematogenous anaerobic infection caused by Actinomyces israelii and other species of Actinomyces. Findings are a local abscess with multiple draining sinuses, a tuberculosis-like pneumonitis, and low-grade systemic symptoms.
What are the symptoms of actinomycosis?
swelling and inflammation at the site of the infection, tissue damage and scar tissue, abscesses, or pus-filled lumps, small holes or tunnels in tissue called fistulas that can leak a kind of lumpy p
What causes actinomycosis?
actinomycosis happens when the actinomyces species of bacteria spread through the body because of tissue damage.; the bacteria live harmlessly in the body, but they become dangerous if they spread out of their usual environment.; this can happen as a result of: disease tissue damage due, for example, to injury or surgery
Which medicines are used for actinomycosis?
penicillin g, phenoxymethyl penicillin
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