Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is a swelling or ulceration of the soft tissue or osteomyelitis of the oral cavity with swelling of the bone and periosteum and suppurative secretions. It is a chronic infection which is granulomatous and abscess-forming. Actinomycosis concerns mainly elderly, diabetic, immunosuppressed and dialysis patients. Diagnosis is by referring to the clinical picture, a microbiological examination (ascertaining the presence of the bacterial genus Actinomyces) and histology (the presence of druse – sulphur granules- basophils). Treatment is usually medicinal, involving the systemic use of parenteral antibiotics and surgery. Where hard tissue is involved, surgical debridement and bone curettage will be necessary. The healing process is slow but complete.