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Actinomycosis
Other Names for this Disease
- Actinomyces israeli
- Actinomycetes
- Anaerobic actinomyces infection
- Canaliculitis
- Keratoactinomycosis
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Overview
Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck. It is usually caused by an anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces israelii. Actinomyces are normal inhabitants of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract, and do not cause an infection unless there is a break in the skin or mucosa. The infection usually occurs in the face and neck, but can sometimes occur in the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or other areas of the body. The infection is not contagious.[1][2]
References
- Actinomycosis. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000599.htm. Accessed April 28, 2011.
- Actinomycosis. DermNet. http://www.dermnet.org.nz/bacterial/actinomycosis.html. Accessed April 28, 2011.
Your Questions Answered
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General Information
- DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
- Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition. Click on the link to view the information.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Actinomycosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.