Health Encyclopedia

Actinomycosis

Definition

Actinomycosis is a long-term (chronic) bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck.

Alternative Names

Lumpy jaw

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Actinomycosis 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. The infection is not contagious.

Symptoms occur when the bacteria enters the facial tissues after trauma, surgery, or infection. A common cause is dental abscess or oral surgery. 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. Actinomycosis can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis) and abdomen or other areas of the body.

Symptoms

Draining sores in the skin, especially on the chest wall from lung infection with Actinomyces
Fever
Minimal or no pain
Swelling or a hard, red to reddish-purple lump on the face or upper neck
Weight loss

Signs and tests

Culture of the tissue or fluid shows Actinomyces species.
Examination of drained fluid under a microscope shows "sulfur granules" in the fluid. They are yellowish granules made of clumped organisms.
Examination under a microscope shows the Actinomyces species of bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage of the lesion may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis)

With treatment, you should recover fully.

Complications

Meningitis can develop from this infection.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder. Beginning treatment promptly helps quicken the recovery.

Prevention

Maintain good oral hygiene. See your dentist regularly.

Review Date:11/1/2007
Reviewed By:Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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