Actinomyces Israelii

Question 1

What it look like?

Answer 1

G+ bacilli w/ branching coccobacillary hyphae

Question 2

Aerobic or anaerobic?

Answer 2

Anaerobic

Question 3

Normal flora?

Answer 3

Yes. Mouth + GI tract.

Question 4

Virulence?

Answer 4

Opportunistic. Attacks when mucosa disrupted i.e. dental plaque, tonsillar crypts, infection, trauma surgery.

Question 5

Disease ?

Answer 5

Painless abscesses w/ sulfur granules. Eroding abscesses formed after mucous membrane damage in mouth or GI tract. Pulmonary/Cervico-facial (lumpy jaw) types.

Question 6

Presentation?

Answer 6

Slow, chronic infection. CP w/ deep breath + SOB. Productive cough. Lethargy, night sweats, weight loss.

Question 7

Diagnosis?

Answer 7

Aspiration w/ sulfur granules. Grow granules for G stain + IF.

Question 8

Treatment?

Answer 8

IV penicillin for 4-6 wks then oral penicillin for several months.

Question 9

Buzz words?

Answer 9

Sinus tract. Painless abscesses. Sulfur granules. Dental procedures.