Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection that commonly
affect the face and the neck.
CAUSATIVE AGENT:
Actinomyces Israelli
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Actinomycosis is not contagious.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Because the bacteria’s normal location is the nose and
throat, actinomycosis most commonly appears
in the face and neck. However, the
infection can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen,
pelvis or other areas of the body. Symptoms occur when the bacteria enters the
facial tissues after trauma, surgery or infection. Common triggers include
dental abscess, oral surgery and in women with IUD.
Once in the tissue, it forms an abscess, producing a hard,
red to reddish- purple lump, often on the jaw. Eventually the abscess breaks
through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1.
Draining sores in the skin.
2.
Fever
3.
Minimal or no pain
4.
Swelling or a hard, red to reddish- purple lump
on the face or upper neck.
5.
Weight loss
DIAGNOSIS
1.
Culture of the tissue/ fluid to show the
organism.
2.
Microscopic examination to show actinomyces
species.
3.
Examination of drained fluid under a microscope
shows “sulphur granules” in the fluid. They are yellowish granules made of
clumped organisms.
TREATMENT
1.
Antibodies for several months to a year.
2.
Surgical drainage
3.
Removal of lesion
4.
If it is related to IUD, remove the device.
PREVENTION
1.
Good oral hygiene.
2.
Regular dentist visits.
COMPLICATION
Meningitis
Thanks for reading this article. Foreword by Stella Addo
(Mrs) and Powered by iCare- Gh Foundation.
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