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Actinomycosis

by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection that causes pus to collect in the body. The type depends on where it starts:

Jaw
Lungs
Abdomen
Uterus

Rarely, the infection can spread from one place in the body to another.

Abdominal Abscess

Causes ▲

Certain bacteria cause actinomycosis. They are normal in the mouth and sometimes in the bowels. They get into the body through breaks in the tissues. Tooth decay causes infections in the mouth and jaw. This is the most common type.

Risk Factors ▲

Your chances of this infection are higher if you:

Are male
Have dental problems or had dental work
Draw in saliva, food, or drink into your lungs
Have long-lasting lung disease
Had bowel surgery
Have problems with an intrauterine device (IUD)
Have diabetes
Have weak immunity
Are malnourished

Symptoms ▲

Symptoms depend on the where the infection starts. These may involve:

Swelling in the mouth, neck, or jaw
Pus that has tiny, yellowish specks
Pus that drains through the skin
Fever
Weight loss
Cough—with or without phlegm or blood
Swelling or a firm mass in the abdomen—mainly in the lower part

Diagnosis ▲

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may have:

A physical exam
Testing of fluids, pus, or phlegm
A biopsy

Treatment ▲

Antibiotics treat the infection. Care also involves draining the infection site.

It’s common for the infection to come back, even after getting care.

Prevention ▲

Taking care of your mouth and teeth are the best way to lower your chances of infection. This involves:

Brushing your teeth twice a day
Flossing daily
Replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
https://www.mouthhealthy.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

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

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References:

Actinomycosis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/anaerobic-bacteria/actinomycosis. Updated January 2018. Accessed May 21, 2018.

Cervicofacial actinomycosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated June 5, 2017. Accessed May 21, 2018.

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.

Valour F, Sénéchal A, Dupieux C, et al. Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Infect Drug Resist. 2014;7:183-197.

Last reviewed May 2018 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 5/21/2018

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