Gram + Branching Filamentous Rods - Actinomyces Israelii

Question 1

Characterize (2): Actinomyces israelii

Answer 1

1. Gram + Filamentous rod

2. Obligate anaerobe

Question 2

What is the most common cause of an Actinomyces infection?

Answer 2

Jaw trauma 
(It is also normal flora of GI/GU intrauterine devices are a risk factor for infection)

Question 3

How does Actinomyces infection often appear on gross examination?

Answer 3

With draining sinus tracts

or with mouth abscess = cervicofaccial mycetoma

Question 4

What organism is associated with yellow sulfur granules when viewed under a microscope?

Answer 4

Actinomyces

Question 5

Treatment for Actinomyces

Answer 5

Penicillin G