Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, most commonly Actinomyces. This infection can cause inflammation, abscesses, and scarring in the affected areas. In order to diagnose this condition, a comprehensive physical examination is necessary.
The doctor will first take a detailed medical history of the patient, including any symptoms that have been present and any recent illnesses or injuries. This is important as actinomycosis can be caused by trauma to the affected area or a weakened immune system.
The doctor will then physically examine the patient, looking for any signs of inflammation, swelling, or abscesses. They may also take a sample of any pus or fluid that has built up in the affected area. This sample will be examined under a microscope to look for the presence of Actinomyces bacteria.
If the doctor suspects actinomycosis, they may order a blood test to look for signs of infection. This test will look for elevated levels of white blood cells, which indicates an infection. The doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI to look for any signs of infection or abscesses in the affected area.
In some cases, the doctor may need to perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope. The biopsy may also be used to determine what type of bacteria is causing the infection, which can help the doctor determine the best course of treatment.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor can begin treatment. This will usually involve a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation. Surgery may also be necessary if there is a large abscess that needs to be drained.