Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic infection of the body’s tissue that is caused by a strain of bacteria known as actinomycetales. It is not a contagious condition.

Most bacterial infections are confined to one part of the body because the bacteria are unable to penetrate through the tissue of the body.

However, actinomycosis is unusual in that the infection can move slowly, but steadily, through the body’s tissue This causes tissue damage and the formation of multiple pus-filled swellings, known as abscesses.  

How common is actinomycosis?

Actinomycosis is a rare type of infection. The last, large-scale study of the condition, carried out during the 1970s, estimated that one in every 300,000 people will develop actinomycosis annually. However, thanks to improved levels of health, hygiene, and the widespread use of antibiotics, this figure is now thought to be much lower.

Types of actinomycosis

Actionmycosis can occur in most areas of the body, but the most commonly reported sites are listed below:

• The face and neck: cervicofacial actinomycosis, also known as ‘lumpy jaw’, accounts for an estimated 50-70% of reported cases.
• The chest: thoracic actinomycosis accounts for an estimated 15-20% of reported cases.
• The abdomen: abdominal actinomycosis accounts for an estimated 10% of cases.
• The pelvis: pelvic actinomycosis accounts for an estimated 10% of cases. Most cases of pelvic actinomycosis are reported by women who have been using the form of contraception known as the intrauterine device (IUD ), or ‘coil’, for many years.

Prognosis

If actinomycosis is treated with antibiotics, the prognosis for the condition is very good. The infection can usually be completely cured.

However, surgery may be required in cases where actinomycosis has caused extensive tissue damage.