actinomycosis - Causative organism

A disorder caused by infection with Actinomyces israeli. Chronic abscesses are formed in many tissues, notably in and around the face and neck, where they discharge onto the skin. The filaments of the micro-organism form yellow granular masses in the abscesses (sulphur granules), which can be seen with the aid of a microscope.

Actinomycosis (ak-tuh-nuh-my-KOH-sihs), is a rare infectious disease of humans caused by Actinomyces bacteria. Characterised by the formation of painful abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or digestive organs, actinomycosis abscesses grow larger as the disease progresses, often over a period of months.

Actinomycosis occurs in cattle and other animals as a disease called lumpy jaw.

Causative organism

Actinomycosis is caused by any of several members of the bacterial genus Actinomyces.

Since Actinomyces bacteria are generally sensitive to penicillin, it is frequently used to treat actinomycosis.