Definition:
Microbiology

Gram-positive.
Most common: A. israelii (75%) (also A. naeslundii, A. viscosus, A. odontolyticus, A. meyeri and A. gerencseriae)
Part of the normal flora (oral cavity)
Also found in the GI tract and in the genitourinary tract of women
Fastidious

Epidemiology

Low virulence
Harmless given intact mucus membranes and intact immune system
Not an opportunistic infection, but more common in AIDS patients

Clinical syndromes

Cervico-facial actinomycosis
Pulmonary actinomycosis
Abdominal actinomycosis
Pelvic actinomycosis
Brain abscess
Human bite wounds
Disseminated disease (rare)

Diagnosis

culture
Gram's stain

Comments on treatment

Recommended:
ampicillin followed by amoxicillin or
penicillin G followed by penicillin V
Alternative
doxycycline
ceftriaxone
clindamycin
erythromycin
chloramphenicol

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Last Revised on the 11th of July 2002