Actinomyces meyeri: from "lumpy jaw" to empyema
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Updated: May 12, 2026

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: September 9, 2015
1Western Michigan University School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA, amy.attaway@med.wmich.edu.
Abstract:
While the most common presentation of actinomycosis is cervicofacial disease, or "lumpy jaw syndrome," Actinomyces meyeri has a predilection for pulmonary disease as well as dissemination to distant organs. We describe a 61-year-old Caucasian male with a relapsing-remitting mandibular sinus tract who would go on to develop weight loss, dyspnea, and a cough productive of malodorous sputum. Imaging revealed a right lower lobe pneumonia and a large left sided empyema. He underwent thoracotomy and decortication on the left side, and 1 L of foul-smelling purulent fluid was drained. Culture grew Actinomyces meyeri. He completed an extended antibiotic course and had his teeth extracted with good clinical outcome.
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