Actinomyces spp. Flashcards
Where are actinomyces typically found in the environment?
In soil dwelling environments
What is the oxygen requirement for Actinomyces?
Aerobic, anaerobic, and capnophilic (likes CO2)
If you suspect a Actinomyces infection, what type of culture should you request?
A aerobic AND anaerobic culture
Where do you find Actinomyces in a host spp.?
In the oral cavity (NORMAL mouth flora)
Colonies of Actinomyces look similar to what anatomical structure?
Molar teeth
T/F: Actinomyces is a non-pathogenic species of the oropharynx mucosa
FALSE - it is pathogenic
Chronic infections of Actinomyces are associated with ____________ and ___________ injuries
Mouth and Bite
If seen microscopically, what is a characteristic sign of Actinomyces infection?
Sulfur granules in the center of the lesion
What are the two infections that display sulfur granules microscopically?
Actinomyces and Nocardia
The outer zone of a chronic Actinomyces lesion has _______________ characteristics
Granulomatous
How are Actinomyces bacteria introduced to a host?
Through penetrating wounds or oral mucosa (usually involving plant
material, bite wounds, or trauma)
Chronic infections of actinomyces may cause ________ lysis
Bone
Actinomyces bovis causes what clinical signs in which host?
Lumpy jaw (pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis) in cattle
What is the EDx for A. bovis (lumpy jaw)
Pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis
What are the clinical signs of pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis?
Abscess on the mandible, maxillar, or other bony tissue of the skull = facial distortion
How do cattle become infected with A. bovis?
Penetrating wounds of the oral mucosa
Actinomyces hordeovulneris affects which species?
Canine
How do you diagnose actinomyces?
The presence of sulfur granules
Actinomyces is susceptible to which 2 antibiotics?
Penicillin G and Iodides
Long term treatment requires HIGH dose of _____________
Penicillin
