Actinomycosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
The bacterial infection actinomycosis causes pus-filled abscesses (abscesses) surrounded by bumpy tissue. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, which normally live in your body without causing any harm. But sometimes, they can break through the protective lining of your body cavities and infect you.
The infection can spread to other organs if it damages your tissue, such as your mouth, nose, throat, lungs, stomach, or intestines. Actinomycosis is not contagious.
Causes of Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is usually caused by dental disease or surgery that damages the tissues around your mouth or jaw. This allows the bacteria to enter and grow in the wound. Other possible sources of actinomycosis include:
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Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion or removal
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Abdominal surgery or trauma
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Aspiration of foreign material from the lungs
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Infection of the skin or soft tissues by other bacteria
Symptoms of Actinomycosis
The symptoms of actinomycosis depend on where you are infected. They can include:
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Fever
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Weight loss
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Bumpy, fluid-filled areas on your neck, jaw or face or in your mouth (cervicofacial infection)
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Pain when you chew or severe jaw tightness (cervicofacial infection)
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Chest pain (lung infection)
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Abdominal pain (pelvic or abdominal infection)
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Vaginal bleeding or discharge (pelvic infection)
Since Actinomyces grow slowly, symptoms might not develop for months or years after the initial source of infection.
Diagnosis of Actinomycosis
In order to diagnose actinomycosis, a sample of fluid or tissue from the affected area is sent to a laboratory and tested for the presence of Actinomyces bacteria.
To check for abscesses or other abnormalities in the infected area, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be necessary.
Treatment of Actinomycosis
In order to cure actinomycosis, high doses of penicillin are necessary. If you are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as tetracycline, clindamycin or erythromycin can be used.
It can take up to a year for the antibiotics to completely cure the infection and clear all the abscesses and bumpy tissue.
Any skin eruptions or abscesses from the infection may need to be drained or removed by a doctor.
If you developed actinomycosis due to an IUD insertion or removal, you should remove it as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Prevention of Actinomycosis
The best way to prevent actinomycosis is to avoid getting infected by bacteria that cause it. Some preventive measures include:
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Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly
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Seeking medical attention if you have any signs of dental disease or surgery
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Avoiding aspiration of foreign material from your lungs
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Treating any skin infections promptly and properly
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Using condoms during sexual intercourse
