Genus Actinomyces

• What is the genus of Actinomyces Israelii?

  Actinomyces
• What are the characteristics of Actinomyces Israelii?

  Gram positive, anaerobic, not acid-fast
• What do the filaments of Actinomyces Israelii form?

  Yellow sulphur granules
• Where is the reservoir for Actinomyces Israelii?

  Oral cavity, intestinal tract, reproductive tract
• How is Actinomyces Israelii transmitted?

  Through disruption of mucosal surfaces
• What is a key feature of the transmission of Actinomyces Israelii?

  Introduction into deep tissues
• What are the known virulence factors of Actinomyces Israelii?

  No known virulence factors
• What are the clinical manifestations of Actinomyces Israelii infection?

  • Actinomycosis
  • Spreads contiguously with multiple draining fistulae
  • Cervicofacial Actinomycosis (most common form)
  • Thoracic Actinomycosis
  • Abdominal & Pelvic Actinomycosis
• What is the most common form of Actinomycosis?

  Cervicofacial Actinomycosis
• What are the predisposing factors for Cervicofacial Actinomycosis?

  • Poor dental hygiene (e.g., dental caries)
  • Oral surgery (e.g., tooth extraction)
  • Maxillofacial trauma
  • Local tissue inflammation (e.g., tonsillitis, tumor)
  • Comorbidities (e.g., diabetes)
• What is a common presentation of Cervicofacial Actinomycosis?

  Slowly progressive mass in neck or face
• Where is the most common location for the mass in Cervicofacial Actinomycosis?

  Mandible region
• What is a characteristic feature of the mass in Cervicofacial Actinomycosis?

  Painless with purulent discharge
• What do the purulent discharges in Cervicofacial Actinomycosis contain?

  Sulphur granules
• What are the predisposing factors for Thoracic Actinomycosis?

  • History of aspiration
  • Recent oral infection
• What are common presentations of Thoracic Actinomycosis?

  Cough and chest pain
• What is a possible symptom of Thoracic Actinomycosis?

  Possible haemoptysis
• What are the predisposing factors for Abdominal & Pelvic Actinomycosis?


  • Ascending infection from uterus
  • Associated with IUD
• What are the diagnostic methods for Actinomyces Israelii infection?

  • Presence of sulphur granules
  • Culture
  • Microscopy
• What is the treatment for Actinomyces Israelii infection?

  Penicillin G
• What is another treatment method for Actinomyces Israelii infection?

  Surgical drainage