Jaw actinomycosis-An opportunistic infection: Case series

Jaw actinomycosis is a quite rare invasive facultative bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces, Gram-positive filamentous bacilli found in human commensal. A break in continuity of epithelium due to surgery, trauma or previous infection can lead to deeper invasion of bacteria causing infection. The risk factors for actinomycosis are trauma, caries, debilitation, and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Clinical presentation can mimic other pathologies, such as fungal infection tuberculosis, granulomatous diseases, so the diagnosis of actinomycosis is delayed or misdiagnosed. For the definitive diagnosis of jaw actinomycosis, medical history, dental history histopathological examinations and microbiological culture are important parameters. Actinomycotic bacteria are sensitive to antibacterial agents hence chemotherapeutic agents are used for treatment. This report presents case series of jaw actinomycosis involving mandible and maxilla. The final diagnosis was supported by histopathology.