Actinomycosis is a rare type of bacterial infection. It can be very serious but can usually be cured with antibiotics. It is a long-term infection that causes sores, or abscesses, in the body’s soft tissues. Actinomycosis is usually found in the:
Actinomycosis rarely appears elsewhere in the body. However, it can spread from the initial infected area to other parts of the body if illness or injury damages your tissue. Actinomycosis is not contagious. It is primarily found in tropical areas of the world.
Since the infection spreads so slowly, actinomycosis was first thought to be a fungal infection. But a family of bacteria known as Actinomycetaceae causes it. The bacteria in this family include:
These bacteria naturally live in your body cavities like your nose and throat but do not usually cause infection unless they can break through the protective lining of your body cavities.
Actinomycosis is treated with antibiotics. Treatment starts off in the hospital with antibiotics given directly into a vein (intravenously).
When you are well enough to go home, you will be given tablets to take for a few months. It is important to keep taking antibiotics until they are finished, even when you feel better.
You might also need surgery to drain areas of pus (abscesses) and cut out the surrounding area if it is infected.
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Actinomycosis is a rare type of bacterial infection. It can be very serious but can usually be cured with antibiotics. It is a long-term infection that causes sores, or abscesses, in the body’s soft tissues. Actinomycosis is usually found in the:
Actinomycosis rarely appears elsewhere in the body. However, it can spread from the initial infected area to other parts of the body if illness or injury damages your tissue. Actinomycosis is not contagious. It is primarily found in tropical areas of the world.
Since the infection spreads so slowly, actinomycosis was first thought to be a fungal infection. But a family of bacteria known as Actinomycetaceae causes it. The bacteria in this family include:
These bacteria naturally live in your body cavities like your nose and throat but do not usually cause infection unless they can break through the protective lining of your body cavities.
Actinomycosis is treated with antibiotics. Treatment starts off in the hospital with antibiotics given directly into a vein (intravenously).
When you are well enough to go home, you will be given tablets to take for a few months. It is important to keep taking antibiotics until they are finished, even when you feel better.
You might also need surgery to drain areas of pus (abscesses) and cut out the surrounding area if it is infected.
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In the event of similar symptoms, kindly book an appointment to see a certified professional for medical advice.
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