Actinomycosis pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pathophysiology
- Actinomycosis is caused by the bacteria Actinomyces which is a normal commensal of the human oral cavity but less common in the female genital tract and lower gastrointestinal tract.
- The common clinical forms of are:
- Cervicofacial actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)
- Thoracic actinomycosis
- Abdominal actinomycosis
- Pelvic actinomycosis
- Dermatologic actinomycosis
- Pediatric actinomycosis
- Opthalmological actinomycosis
Pathogenesis
- Actinomyces does not grow in oxygen rich environment. When there is a break through the protective lining surrounding the cavities (from mouth to rectum), the actinomycetales penetrate through the deeper tissues where the bacteria grow rapidly due to low oxygen levels.
Types | Site of Infection | Source of infection | Pathogenesis |
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Cervicofascial actinomycosis |
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Thoracic actinomycosis |
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Abdominal actinomycosis | Abdomen |
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Pelvic actinomycosis | Pelvis |
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Central nervous system
actinomycosis |
CNS |
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