Actinomyces species
From IDWiki
Microbiology
- Weakly Gram-positive bacterium that looks fungal under microscopy
- Oral and gut flora
- Spreads by direct invasion through tissue and creating fistulae
Syndromes
Cervicofacial actinomycosis
- "Lumpy jaw syndrome" with painless jaw mass, trismus, and eventually pain
- Most common form, accounting for ~50% of cases
Abdominal actinomycosis
- Presents as an abdominal mass that fistulizes to skin
Pulmonary actinomycosis
- Presents as a chronic, non-resolving pneumonia or as a lung cancer
- Can spread directly to involve heart as well
Others
- Endocarditis
Management
- IV penicillin x4-6 weeks then PO penicillin x6-12 months
- Alternatives include ceftriaxone, amox/clav
