Actinomyces is a type of bacteria that can cause a variety of infections, including lung, skin, and pelvic infections. Treatment for Actinomycosis depends on the extent of the infection and the patient's general health. Generally, treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery.
Antibiotic therapy is the first line of treatment for Actinomyces infections. The specific antibiotic and length of treatment depend on the type of infection and the severity of the case. Milder cases may be treated with oral antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin, for two to three weeks. More severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics, such as cefotaxime or tetracycline, for four to six weeks.
Surgery is often required to treat Actinomyces infections, especially if the infection is spreading or if it's located in the lungs. The goal of surgery is to remove any abscesses or debris resulting from the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection and the location of the infection, the surgery may involve draining the abscess, cutting away infected tissue, or removing a portion of the affected organ. The length of the surgery depends on the extent of the infection, but it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
In some cases, a combination of antibiotics and surgery may be required to treat Actinomyces infections. The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, the response to the antibiotics, and the success of the surgery. Some cases may require weeks or even months of treatment before the infection is completely resolved.