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Human infections with Actinomyces pyogenes (Corynebacterium pyogenes)
B Gahrn-Hansen1, W Frederiksen
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Actinomyces pyogenes, a bacterium known in animals, is also a human pathogen. Differentiating it from Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Actinomyces pyogenes (Corynebacterium pyogenes) is a recognized animal pathogen.
- This bacterium has been isolated from 11 Danish patients since 1968.
- Human infections caused by Actinomyces pyogenes are often misdiagnosed.
Observation:
- Bacteriologic characteristics of Actinomyces pyogenes were analyzed.
- Clinical presentations of patients infected with Actinomyces pyogenes were documented.
- Key differentiating features between Actinomyces pyogenes and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum were identified.
Findings:
- Actinomyces pyogenes can be differentiated from Arcanobacterium haemolyticum by its ability to hydrolyze gelatine, produce beta-glucuronidase, react with antisera against group-G streptococci, and produce acid from xylose.
- These biochemical and serologic tests are essential for accurate identification.
- The study details the specific tests that distinguish these two closely related bacteria.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of Actinomyces pyogenes is vital for appropriate clinical management.
- Clinical microbiologists should be more aware of Actinomyces pyogenes as a potential human pathogen.
- Improved diagnostic methods can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure correct treatment strategies.