Actinomyces lymphadenitis
John Kim1, Christopher Wood2, Uriel Sandkovsky3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical CenterDallasTexas.
Summary
Actinomyces, a common oral bacterium, can cause rare lymph node infections (lymphadenitis). Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid misinterpreting this condition as cancer and ensure appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Actinomyces are gram-positive anaerobic bacteria inhabiting the human oral cavity.
- Pathogenesis involves mucosal disruption, leading to abscesses, typically in the cervicofacial region.
- Bacterial masses form from branching, filamentous bacilli, spreading via direct invasion.
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