Actinomycosis: An Update

Actinomycosis is a very rare disease caused usually by one of a group of oppurtunistic otherwise harmless commensals that may be complicated by one or more of another group of co-pathogens. Because of its rarity, there is a chance of missing its diagnosis & proper treatment leading to substantial morbidity & mortality. Maltreated patients are at risk of developing life threatening complications. This article is intended to review the present status of aetiology, pathology, clinical features, complications & management of actinomycosis. Keywords Actinomyces israeli; Actinomyces gerencseriae; Actinomyces naeslundii; Actinomyces odontolyticus; Actinomyces viscosus; Actinomyces turicensis; Actinomyces meyeri; Propionibacterium propionicus; Peptostreptococcus; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; Prevotella; Fusobacterium; Bacteroides; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Enterobacteriaceae; actinomycetes. DOI: 10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5606 Medicine Today Vol.22(1) 2010. 43-47