Clinical Information

Anaerobic Actinomyces are nonsporeforming, thin branching, gram-positive bacilli that are part of the normal microbiota of the human oral cavity and may also colonize the gastrointestinal and female genital tracts. Their presence is important in preserving the usual bacterial populations of the mouth and in preventing infection with disease-causing bacteria.

Actinomyces are generally of low pathogenicity but may be an important factor in the development of periodontal disease and may cause soft tissue infections in colonized areas of the body following trauma (surgical or otherwise). The typical lesion consists of an outer zone of granulation around central purulent loculations containing masses of tangled organisms ("sulfur granule"). Chronic burrowing sinus tracts develop. Typical actinomycotic infections occur around the head and neck, in the lung and chest wall, and in the peritoneal cavity and abdominal wall. Actinomycosis of the female genital tract occurs in association with the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices. Purulent collections containing "sulfur granules" may drain from some sinus tracts opening to the skin.