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Home :: Family Health :: Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis - Actinomycosis symptom, treatment, causes
Actinomycosis is an uncommon infection caused by the bacteriam Actinomyces israelii, which is found on the month of many healthy people. If this bacterium gets into nearby tissues through a decayed tooth, or after a tooth extraction or other injury to the jaw. If can slowly but progressively destroy tissue and form pus that leads to the formation of abscesses. If infected pus is swallowed or inhaled, or enters the bloodstream, it may lead to abscesses in the digestive tract, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs.
Actinomycosis is a chronic infection, commonly of the face and neck, that produces abscesses and open draining sinuses. . It occurs normally in the mouth and tonsils. Fistulas or even small ulcerations arise. If an abscess develops in the abdomen, pus may drain through the skin by way of channels connecting the abscess to the abdominal wall.Multiple sinuses, puckered scarring and the formation of new nodules produce an uneven lumpy surface. It is rare in children but more often found in the elderly, who are more likely to have other dental or oral conditions that give access to the bacteria . The generalized form of actinomycosis results when the bacteria are carried in the blood to the skin, vertebrae, brain, liver, kidneys, ureters, and, in women, the uterus and ovaries.
The patient becomes weak, loses weight and may have night sweats and shortness of breath. Characterized by the presence of a slowly enlarging, hard, red lump. This type of actinomycosis may be mistaken for Crohn's disease, malignancy, tuberculosis, Amebiasis (an infection of the intestine or liver), or chronic appendicitis. Establishment of human infection may require the presence of such companion bacteria, which participate in the production of infection by elaborating a toxin or enzyme or by inhibiting host defenses. The bacterium enters through the periodontium soft tissue wounds or salivary gland ducts.
Symptom of Actinomycosis
Facial Actinomycosis (also called lumpy jaw) causes a firm swelling, which or may not be painful. Often the characteristic sulphur-yellow, grainy pus drains into the mouth or on to the skin of the face or neck. Abscesses in other parts of the body give rise to pain, fever, symptoms related to malfunction of the effected part, and often abnormal weight loss. When the lungs are effected, serious pneumonia can result.
Treatment of Actinomycosis
The best Treatment of Actinomycosis a prolonged course of antibiotics (up to 12 months) as well as surgical drainage of the abscesses will eradicate the infection.
Diagnosis of Actinomycosis
If Actinomycosis is suspected from the symptoms and X-ray findings, the diagnosis can be confermed by finding the bacteria in pus, sputum or biopsy specimens.
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