UNIVERSITY OF GUAYAQUIL

FACULTY OF DENTISTRY

ENGLISH II

TEACHER: BRENDA SNCHEZ.

MEMBERS:
SAMUEL LPEZ
MICHAEL SARMIENTO
JOSELINE MENA
ERIKA TOVAR
MICHELLE PAREDES

COURSE 2/3
 ACTINOMYCOSIS
Actinomycosis is a long-term infection that causes sores, or abscesses, in the
bodys soft tissues, is usually found in the mouth, nose,
throat, lungs, stomach, intestines. Actinomycosis rarely
appears elsewhere in the body. However, it can spread
from the initial infected area to other parts of the body if
illness or injury damages your tissue. Actinomycosis isnt
contagious. Its primarily found in the tropical areas of the
world.

If your mouth tissue is infected, it can cause whats

commonly known as lumpy jaw. A hard lump can be felt
in the jaw. The lump itself isnt typically painful.
Actinomycosis can also cause muscle spasms in the jaw
or a locked jaw. If this happens, the mouth cannot open
in a normal way. The other symptoms of actinomycosis
are: a fever, weight loss, lumps on the neck or face, coughing, chest pain.

Actinomycosis is a rare infection, especially in the United States. Since the

infection spreads so slowly, actinomycosis was first thought to be a fungal
infection. But a family of bacteria known as Actinomycetaceae causes it. These
bacteria naturally live in your body cavities like your nose and throat but dont
usually cause infection unless they can break through the protective lining of your
body cavities.

Actinomycosis is usually diagnosed through a fluid or tissue sample from the

affected area. Your doctor uses a microscope to check the sample for Actinomyces
bacteria. Any such bacteria appear as yellowish granules. Antibiotics are the
primary treatment for actinomycosis. High doses of penicillin are usually necessary
to cure the infection.

It can take up to a year for the antibiotics to completely cure the infection. Any skin
eruptions, or abscesses, from the infection may need to be drained or removed.
Notify your doctor immediately if you have the symptoms of actinomycosis. Early,
aggressive treatment decreases your likelihood of developing long-term
complications and requiring surgery.

One of the best ways to prevent actinomycosis is to practice good oral hygiene.
Schedule regular visits with your dentist so that they can spot potential problems. If
you get proper treatment for actinomycosis, its highly curable and youll likely
make a full recovery.