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Actinomycosis

Definition

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection that results in abscesses (collections of pus) in the jaw, abdominal cavity, lungs, or all over the body. This condition can be treated, so contact your doctor if you think you may have actinomycosis.
Abdominal Abscess
Abdominal Abscess
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Causes

Actinomycosis is most often caused by infection by the bacterium, Actinomyces israelii . This is normally present in the mouth and, to a lesser extent, in the intestines. The jaw is most commonly involved, with lung and abdominal infections being less common. Very rarely, women may develop abscesses in the reproductive organs or bladder.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include:
  • Having a dental disease or recent dental surgery (for jaw abscess)
  • Aspiration (liquids or solids are sucked into lungs) (for lung abscess)
  • Having bowel surgery (for abdominal abscess)
  • Swallowing fragments of chicken or other bones (for abdominal abscess)
  • For women: having an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in place for many years (for abscess affecting the reproductive organs)

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Hard swellings (usually painless) around the mouth, neck, or jaw, which may produce pus—You may see tiny, yellowish particles mixed in with the pus.
  • Drainage of pus through the skin of the chest or abdomen
  • Low-grade fever
  • Weight loss
  • Cough that produces sputum or blood
  • Noticeable swelling or firm mass in the abdomen, especially the lower part
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
  • Analyses of pus, sputum, or tissue
  • X-ray

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Medications

High doses of antibiotics are used to treat actinomycosis.

Drainage of Abscesses

Your doctor will drain pus-containing abscesses.

Prevention

The best way to reduce your chances of developing actinomycosis is to prevent dental disease by practicing good dental hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist. Good dental hygiene includes:
  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Replace your toothbrush regularly

RESOURCES

American Dental Association http://www.ada.org/

National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Dental Association http://www.cda-adc.ca/

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index%5Fe.html/

References

Actinomycosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?id=116458 . Accessed December 3, 2006.

Actinomycosis. Merck website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec17/ch190/ch190b.html . Accessed December 3, 2006.

Hall V. Actinomyces—gathering evidence of human colonization and infection. Anaerobe. 2008;14(1):1-7.

Naik NH, Russo TA. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: the role of actinomyces. Clin Infect Dis. 2009;49(11):1729-1732.

Sullivan DC, Chapman SW. Bacteria that masquerade as fungi: actinomycosis/nocardia. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2010;7(3):216-221.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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