Actinomycosis is a long-term (chronic) bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck.
Alternative NamesLumpy jaw
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsActinomycosis is usually caused by an anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces israelii, which is a common and normally not disease-causing (nonpathogenic) organism found in the nose and throat.
Because of the bacteria's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly appears in the face and neck. However, the infection can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen, pelvis, or other areas of the body. The infection is not contagious.
Symptoms occur when the bacteria enters the facial tissues after trauma, surgery, or infection. A common triggering causes is dental abscess or oral surgery. The infection has also been seen in certain women who have had an intrauterine device (IUD) to prevent pregnancy.
Once in the tissue, it forms an abscess, producing a hard, red to reddish-purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the condition's common name, "lumpy jaw."
Eventually, the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract.
SymptomsSee also: Neck lumps
Signs and testsTreatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage or removal of the lesion may be needed. If the condition is related to an IUD, the device must be removed.
Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, you should recover fully.
ComplicationsMeningitis can rarely develop from this infection.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder. Beginning treatment promptly helps quicken the recovery.
PreventionGood oral hygiene and regular dentist visits may help prevent some forms of actinomycosis.
ReferencesBrook I. Actinomycosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 350.
Actinomycosis is a long-term (chronic) bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck.
Alternative NamesLumpy jaw
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsActinomycosis is usually caused by an anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces israelii, which is a common and normally not disease-causing (nonpathogenic) organism found in the nose and throat.
Because of the bacteria's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly appears in the face and neck. However, the infection can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen, pelvis, or other areas of the body. The infection is not contagious.
Symptoms occur when the bacteria enters the facial tissues after trauma, surgery, or infection. Common triggers include dental abscess or oral surgery. The infection has also been seen in certain women who have had an intrauterine device (IUD) to prevent pregnancy.
Once in the tissue, it forms an abscess, producing a hard, red to reddish-purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the condition's common name, "lumpy jaw."
Eventually, the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract.
SymptomsSee also: Neck lumps
Signs and testsTreatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage or removal of the lesion may be needed. If the condition is related to an IUD, the device must be removed.
Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, you should recover fully.
ComplicationsMeningitis can rarely develop from this infection.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder. Beginning treatment promptly helps quicken the recovery.
PreventionGood oral hygiene and regular dentist visits may help prevent some forms of actinomycosis.
ReferencesBrook I. Actinomycosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 337.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/06/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Actinomycosis is an infectious disease of cattle and pigs, characterized by painful abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.
Chester Wilson Emmons has written: 'Medical mycology' -- subject(s): Medical mycology, Mycoses 'Actinomyces and actinomycosis' -- subject(s): Actinomyces, Actinomycosis
presence of a red lump with draining sinuses on the head or neck is strongly suggestive of cervicofacial actinomycosis. A recent history of tooth extraction or signs of tooth decay or poor dental hygiene aid in the diagnosis
The best prevention is to maintain good dental hygiene.
You can search the 'net. But your own doctor can probably refer you to one.
a relatively rare infection occurring in one out of 300,000(1/300,000) people per year
Fever, Weight Loss, Lumps On the Neck or face, Draining Sores On the Skin, Excess Sinus Drainage, Coughing, and Chest Pain.
usually caused by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii. This bacterium is normally present in the mouth but can cause disease if it enters tissues following an injury. Actinomyces israelii is an anaerobic bacterium
Surgery is often required to drain the lesion and/or to remove the site of infection. To kill the bacteria, standard therapy has included large doses of penicillin given through a vein daily for two to six weeks
shows the characteristic "sulfur Granules" (small yellow colored material in the fluid) produced by Actinomyces israelii. A biopsy may be performed to remove a sample of the infected tissue
Mycosis is the general term for any disease caused by a fungus. Some examples of mycoses are histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, ring worm, barber's itch, tinea infections, actinomycosis, mycetoma, sporotrichosis, and aspergillosis.
Actinomycosis, Bartonellosis, Bordetella, Brusellosis, Campylobacter, Chlamydia, Clostridium, Colilbacillosis, Ehrlichiosis, Helicobacter, Hemobartonella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Mysobacteria, Mycoplasma, Nocardiosis, Plague, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Salmon Poisoning, Salmonellosis, Streotococcosis, Staphylococcosis, Tularemia, and Tyzzer's Disease.