Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is a rare, long-term bacterial infection in which Actinomyces bacteria, which normally live harmlessly in the mouth, nose and gut, invade damaged tissue and form abscesses. It most often affects the face and neck, though the chest, abdomen and pelvis can also be involved, and it does not spread between people. Triggers include dental decay and abscess, mouth injury, oral or abdominal surgery, inhaled food or liquid, radiotherapy and intrauterine devices; type 2 diabetes and weakened immunity raise the risk. Typical features are a firm lump on the jaw or neck, draining sores through the skin, fever, weight loss and, with lung involvement, cough and chest pain. Diagnosis rests on examination, with culture or microscopy of tissue or drained fluid and CT imaging. Prolonged antibiotic treatment, first intravenous and later oral, is the mainstay, sometimes with surgical drainage; most patients recover fully, and meningitis is a rare complication.

Seek urgent care for a high fever with a stiff neck, rash, confusion, difficulty breathing, or fever after travel to a malaria area. See a doctor when a fever lasts more than three days, when symptoms return after treatment, or when you may have been exposed to an infection that needs testing. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.