Actinomycetes
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Positive | Shape: Filamentous Rod |
| Overview |
|---|
- Actinomycetes are a group of non-spore-forming bacterial rods which remain attached following division and thus adopt a filamentous arrangement.
| Transmission |
|---|
- Actinomycetes are likely part of the flora of a wide variety of mucosal tissues. Inoculation probably occurs through traumatic breaks of mucosa followed by contiguous spread.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- The primary manifestation of actinomycetes infection is the development of a local abscesses. These include lung and abdominal abscesses as well as abscesses in the jaw and pelvis. Lesions are frequently mistaken for tumors.
| Diagnosis |
|---|
- A unique feature of actinomycetes is that fluids draining from sites of infection reveal characteristic granules containing the organisms and host cells embedded within a mineral matrix. Historically, these granules have been termed "Sulfur Grnaules" although they have no relation to sulfur the element.
| Treatment |
|---|
- Penicillin G