Actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw)

Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

Actinomycosis is chronic bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck. It is a rare infectious bacterial disease of humans generally caused by Actinomyces israelii, Characterized by the formation of painful abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or digestive organs, actinomycosis abscesses grow larger as the disease progresses, often over a period of months. In severe cases, the abscesses may penetrate the surrounding bone and muscle to the skin, where they break open and leak large amounts of pus.

Actinomycosis occurs in cattle and other animals as a disease called lumpy jaw. This name refers to the large lumps that later develops into abscesses that grow on the head and neck of the infected animal.

Causes

A bacteria from the genus Actinomyces causes Actinomycosis, these bacteria are generally anaerobic that live in the small spaces between the teeth and gums, causing infection only when they are able to multiply without disruptions in anoxic environments. Three most common sites of infection are decayed teeth, intestines, and the lungs

Actinomyces bacteria are Penicillin sensitive and widely used as an immediate treatment to this kind of disease.

This kind infection is not contagious, because of the bacteria’s normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly appears in the face and neck..

Symptoms

Fever
Minimal or no pain
Weight loss

When not treated, eventually the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a sinus tract. It can sometimes occur in the chest called pulmonary actinomycosis and abdomen or other areas of the body.

A common cause is dental abscess or oral surgery when the bacteria enter the facial tissues after surgery, trauma or infection. Once in the tissue, it forms an abscess, producing a hard, purple or reddish-purple lump, often on the jaw, which where the term “lumpy jaw” came from.

Treatment

Treatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage of the lesion may be needed.

Prevention

Always maintain good oral hygiene