Actinomycosis is a type of chronic bacterial infection caused by the Actinomyces species of bacteria. It is an uncommon infection that primarily affects the face, neck, and chest, although any part of the body can be affected. The bacteria are usually present in the mouth, throat, and nose and can enter the body through minor wounds or surgical incisions.
Actinomycosis is a slowly progressive, long-term infection caused by certain types of bacteria in the family Actinomycetaceae, most often Actinomyces israelii, A. gerencseriae, and A. meyeri. The bacteria form colonies in areas of the body where tissue is damaged, such as areas of trauma, surgery, or inflammation. These colonies are called “sulfur granules” because they are yellow-green in color. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics.
Actinomycosis is not a fungus, but a bacterial infection. It is important to distinguish between actinomycosis and fungal infections, as the treatment and prognosis of the two are very different. Treatment of actinomycosis typically involves antibiotic therapy, while fungal infections may require antifungal medications or other treatments.