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Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species — bacteria that normally live harmlessly in the mouth, throat, digestive tract, and female reproductive system.

When the tissue is injured or the normal barriers of the body are disrupted (such as after dental work, surgery, or trauma), these bacteria can enter deeper tissues and cause infection.

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The infection develops slowly and often leads to painful abscesses, draining sinuses, and firm, lumpy tissue under the skin.

Common Areas Affected

 

Actinomycosis can occur in different parts of the body, including:

 

  • Face and neck (cervicofacial actinomycosis): often follows dental infection or oral surgery

  • Chest (thoracic actinomycosis): infection in the lungs or chest wall

  • Abdomen (abdominal actinomycosis): infection after bowel perforation, appendicitis, or surgery

  • Pelvis (pelvic actinomycosis): may be associated with long-term intrauterine device (IUD) use

  • Brain or other organs: rare but serious cases when infection spreads

 

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms depend on the site of infection but often include:

 

  • Swelling, tenderness, or hard lumps under the skin

  • Drainage of pus through small holes or sinus tracts

  • Fever and fatigue

  • Weight loss or poor appetite in chronic cases

  • Persistent pain in the affected area

 

Because the infection grows slowly, actinomycosis can sometimes be mistaken for a tumor or other chronic disease.

 

 

When to Seek Care

 

If you have persistent swelling, draining lesions, or slow-healing infections around the mouth, jaw, chest, or abdomen, you should be evaluated promptly.
Early diagnosis prevents tissue damage and helps avoid the need for extensive surgery.

 

 

Diagnosis

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

  • Clinical examination

  • Imaging such as CT or MRI to identify abscesses or sinus tracts

  • Laboratory testing and culture to confirm Actinomyces species

 

 

Treatment

 

Actinomycosis requires long-term antibiotic therapy to completely eliminate the infection and prevent recurrence.

Treatment typically includes:

 

  • High-dose penicillin or other appropriate antibiotics over several weeks or months

  • Drainage of abscesses or surgical removal of infected tissue when necessary

  • Regular follow-up to monitor healing and response to therapy

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