What disease is caused by Actinomyces?

About 70% of infections are due to either Actinomyces israelii or A. gerencseriae. Infection can also be caused by Streptomyces somaliensis and Propionibacterium propionicus. The condition is likely to be a polymicrobial anaerobic infection….

What kind of infection is Actinomyces?

Actinomycosis is a chronic localized or hematogenous anaerobic infection caused by Actinomyces israelii and other species of Actinomyces. Findings are a local abscess with multiple draining sinuses, a tuberculosis-like pneumonitis, and low-grade systemic symptoms.

What are the harmful effects of actinomycetes?

Actinomycetes have been known as an etiologic agent of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), such as farmer's lung disease (Lacey and Crook, 1988). These Gram-positive bacteria have also been associated with other adverse health effects among occupants of water-damaged buildings (Rintala, 2011).

Does Actinomyces cause periodontal disease?

In conclusion, the literature review of varied clinical reports submitted for actinomyces suggests that it is an undisruptive commensal of the oral cavity that can become pathological when superadded by periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene.

What Actinomyces species is the most commonly human pathogens?

With the use of 16S (small subunit) ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, at least 21 species of Actinomyces have been identified in humans. A. israelii is the predominant disease-causing species (median, 73% of cases), although other Actinomyces spp., including A. naeslundii (the second most frequent Actinomyces sp.)

Which actinomycosis is most common?

Pathophysiology

• Cervicofacial actinomycosis. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is the most common type of the infection, comprising 50-70% of reported cases. …
• Thoracic actinomycosis. Thoracic actinomycosis accounts for 15-20% of cases. …
• Actinomycosis of the abdomen and pelvis.

Is Actinomyces a fungus or bacteria?

Actinomycetes are a group of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the order Actinomycetales. These organisms are phylogenetically diverse but morphologically similar, exhibiting characteristic filamentous branching structures which then fragment into bacillary or coccoid forms (1) (Figure 1).

Does Actinomyces cause lung infection?

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a bacterial lung infection caused by actinomycosis or propionibacteria. Actinomyces SPP are higher prokaryotic bacteria belonging to the family Actinomycetaceae (1). The first published clinical description of the human form of the disease appeared in 1857.

Does Actinomyces cause dental caries?

Actinomyces naeslundii and Actinomyces viscosus are associated with dental caries (13, 25, 27). Either species alone induces periodontal diseases and dental caries in experimental animals (15). In particular, these two bacteria have been implicated as causes of human root surface caries (4, 6, 16, 24, 25).

What are the risk factors of actinomycosis?

Around 60% of infections are cervicofacial and described as “lumpy jaw syndrome.” The predisposing risk factors for cervicofacial infection include infection in erupting teeth, dental caries, gingivitis, and dental extraction, diabetes, alcohol use disorder, malnutrition, and malignancy.

What is another name for actinomycosis?

Actinomycosis occurs rarely in humans, but rather frequently in cattle as a disease called "lumpy jaw". This name refers to the large abscesses that grow on the head and neck of the infected animal.

What are 2 types of actinomycetes?

Some of the commonly known examples of actinomycetes include Streptomyces, Corynebacterium and Mycobacterium.

How do people get Actinomyces?

The bacteria that cause this infection typically live in dental plaque. It can result from: dental problems, such as decay and poor oral hygiene. trauma to the mouth or face, if particles of dental plaque enter the mucous membrane.

Is Actinomyces serious?

Actinomycosis is a rare type of bacterial infection. It can be very serious but can usually be cured with antibiotics.

What is the death rate of actinomycosis?

Generally, a total of 6–12 months of treatment with antibiotics is recommended for actinomycosis. The mortality rate is reported to be between 0% and 28% depending on the site of infection and the time to diagnosis.

What is the other name for actinomycosis?

Actinomycosis occurs rarely in humans, but rather frequently in cattle as a disease called "lumpy jaw". This name refers to the large abscesses that grow on the head and neck of the infected animal.

Where are actinomycetes usually found?

soil

Actinomycetes are found in many habitats, such as freshwater, sea- water, cold- and warm-blooded animals, and composts. The soil, however, is their most important habitat. Viable counts of several millions per gram are common, and over 20 genera have been isolated from soil (Table 45-1).

Where is Actinomyces found in the body?

• Actinomycosis is usually caused by the bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common organism found in the nose and throat. It normally does not cause disease. Because of the bacteria's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly affects the face and neck.

Are actinomycetes harmful to humans?

It normally does not cause disease. Because of the bacteria's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly affects the face and neck. The infection can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen, pelvis, or other areas of the body. The infection is not contagious.