Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Actinomycosis

by Krisha McCoy, MS
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.

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:

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

Symptoms may include:

  • Cough that produces sputum or blood
  • Drainage of pus through the skin of the chest or abdomen
  • 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.
  • Low-grade fever
  • Noticeable swelling or firm mass in the abdomen, especially the lower part
  • Weight loss

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

Last reviewed: December 2010 by David Horn, MD, FACP.

RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
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.