Re: actinomyces

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Actinomyces is most commonly known for a condition called Actinmycosis or "Lumpy Jaw", but if you read Medline's description of it, you can see how it has other serious ramifications, like meningitis. I highlighted a couple things in pink. One reason pencillin helps me so much is probably in part because it's helping keep the actino in check. Actinomycosis Alternative names Lumpy jaw Definition

Actinomycosis is a chronic infection, commonly of the face and neck, that produces abscesses and open draining sinuses. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Actinomycosis is usually caused by an anaerobic (disliking oxygen) bacterium called Actinomyces israelii, which is a common and normally nonpathogenic (not disease-causing) organism found in the nose and throat. Because of the bacterium's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly appears in the face and neck. And since it is normal for

people to carry this organism, the infection is not contagious. Actinomyces produces disease when it is introduced into the facial tissues by 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 may occasionally occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis) and abdomen or other areas of the body. Symptoms A swelling or hard, red-to-reddish-purple lump on the face or upper neck

(see neck lumps) Fever Weight loss Pain is minimal to absent Draining sores in the skin, particularly those on the chest wall resulting from lung infection with Actinomyces Signs and tests Examination of drained fluid under a microscope shows "sulfur granules" in the fluid. They are yellowish granules composed of clumped organisms. 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 actinomycosis is long-term, with 1-2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6-12 months of penicillin

taken by mouth. Other drugs have also been effective. Note: Doxycycline 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. Expectations (prognosis) Full recovery is expected with treatment. 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. (Penny's note: And avoid invasive procedures of all sorts!) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000599.htm pjeanneus <pj7@...> wrote: Okay, I'll bite. Maybe I missed this but what is actinomyces?a>> Talk about mistaking one organism for another. Until very recently, everyone believed that actinomyces was a fungus. > >

penny