Actinomycosis infection

Credit has to be given to von Langenbeck who has the first to observe, in 1845, the occurrence of the fungus infection on a patient, but it was James Israel (1878) who published the observations of von Langenbeck (1845), and who recognized an described an actinomycete as a causative agent of human disease.

Actinomycosis is a subacute-chronic infection characterized by abscess formation, draining sinus tracts, and tissue fibrosis.

Because of their chronic nature, actinomycosis infections frequently mimic carcinomas. The infection primarily caused by bacillus Actinomycosis israelii, which produces granulomatous and suppurative lesions with multiple abscesses.

Abdominal actinomycosis accounts for 20% of actinomycosis and represents ingestion of bacteria, hematogenous infection or extension from the female pelvis. Pelvic actinomycosis may represent spread form intra-abdominal infection; but is most often a complication of intra-uterine devices placement.

Other forms of actinomycosis include:
*brain abscess
*chronic meningitis
*uro-genital infection
*musculoskeletal infection
*isolated skin
*esophagitis
*thyroiditis
*disseminated hematogenous infection

The complications of actinomycosis vary, depending on the site of infection. Cervicofacial actinomycosis mat progress to involve sinus and maxillofacial subcutaneous tissue.

Abscesses and fistulas of the brain may also result. When the respiratory system is affected, the patient may develop pneumonia and emphysema.
Actinomycosis infection