Actinomycosis

Causes and Risks:
Actinomycosis is caused by an anaerobic (disliking oxygen) bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common and normally non-pathogenic (not disease-causing) organism found in the nose and throat. Its normal location in the nose and throat account for actinomycosis most commonly appearing in the face and neck. Because this organism is normal for people, the infection is not contagious.

Actinomyces produces disease when it is introduced into the facial tissues by trauma, surgery or infection. Once in the tissue it forms an abscess producing a hard red to reddish purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the name lumpy jaw. Eventually the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract. Actinomycosis may occasionally occur in the chest ( pulmonary actinomycosis ) and abdomen or other areas of the body.

Prevention:
Maintain good oral hygiene .

Symptoms:
  • a swelling or hard red to reddish-purple lump appearing on the face or upper neck (see neck lumps)
  • pain is minimal to absent
  • draining sores in the skin



Signs and Tests:

  • Examination of drained fluid under a microscope demonstrates "sulfur granules" in the fluid.
  • Examination under a microscope shows the presence of Actinomyces species of bacteria.
  • A culture of the tissue or fluid shows Actinomyces species.



Treatment:
Treatment for actinomyces is long term, with 1 to 2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6 months of penicillin taken by mouth. Other drugs such as erythromycin and tetracycline have been effective. Note: tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Surgical drainage of the lesion may be required.

Prognosis:
Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Complications:
Meningitis can develop after this infection.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder; beginning treatment promptly speeds the recovery.


Actinomycosis is an infection that has a tendency to infect the face, as seen here on the lower jaw. Infection can produce large abscesses that may break through to the skin and form draining sinuses. The infection, on occasion, has been called "lumpy jaw" or "lump jaw".