Causes and Risk Factors
- Actinomycosis is primarily caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces.
- Risk factors include dental procedures, poor oral hygiene, weakened immune systems, and inhalation or ingestion of contaminated material.
- Prevalent in rural areas with agricultural practices.
- Other bacterial species often aid in the infection process.
- Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) has increased incidence in females.

Signs and Symptoms
- Painful abscesses in the mouth, lungs, breast, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Actinomycosis abscesses grow larger over time and can penetrate surrounding bone and muscle.
- Abscesses break open and leak pus, which may contain sulfur granules.
- Slow and progressive onset of symptoms.
- Tissue inflammation, swelling, and presence of yellowish or pus-filled discharge.

Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis can be challenging and often requires a combination of methods.
- Microbiological examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and immunoassays are helpful in diagnosis.
- Actinomyces bacteria are sensitive to penicillin, which is frequently used for treatment.
- Doxycycline is an alternative for those with penicillin allergy.
- Sulfonamides may be used as an alternative regimen.
- Response to therapy is slow and may take months.

Epidemiology
- Incidence is higher in males between 20 and 60 years old.
- Before antibiotics, incidence was higher in the Netherlands and Germany.
- Incidence in the US in the 1970s was one per 300,000 people per year.
- Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) has increased incidence in females.
- Incidence of oral actinomycosis has increased.

Complications, Prognosis, Prevention, and Control
- Actinomycosis can spread to nearby tissues and organs, forming fistulas and sinus tracts.
- Chronic infection can lead to scarring and disfigurement.
- Rare cases of dissemination to other body parts.
- Prognosis is generally good with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Prevention measures include maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, proper wound care, use of protective gear in agricultural and occupational settings, and education and awareness about the disease and its risk factors.

Actinomycosis (Wikipedia)

Actinomycosis is a rare infectious bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species. The name refers to ray-like appearance of the organisms in the granules. 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.

Actinomycosis
A man with actinomycosis on the right side of his face
Specialty	Infectious disease