This document discusses Actinomycetes, which are filamentous, Gram-positive bacteria that include the genera Actinomyces, Norcardia, and Streptomyces. Actinomyces israelii is described in more detail, including its characteristics as an anaerobic, Gram-positive, branching rod that is part of the normal human flora in the mouth and genitals. Actinomycosis is discussed as a chronic infection caused by A. israelii that can involve the cervicofacial, thoracic, or abdominal regions and presents as swollen lesions that drain pus. Laboratory diagnosis of actinomycosis involves direct examination of samples for sulfur granules,

1. Actinomycetes
Filamentous bacteria

2. General properties
Gram positive branching filaments
Slow growers
Resemble Corynebacteria, mycobacteria and fungi
Include:
Actinomyces – anaerobe, normal flora
Norcadia – aerobe, saprophyte – PARTIALLY ACID FAST
Streptomyces- aerobe, saprophyte

3. Gram Positive Filamentous Bacteria

4. Actinomyces
Genus features
• Gram positive branching,or diphtheroid-like bacilli
• Non sporing
• Anaerobic and require CO2 for growth
• Non- acid fast (Carbol fuchsin ) Decolourization.
• Lack nuclear membrane
• Divided by binary fission
• Catalase -ve
Species of medical importance
• Actinomyces israelii

5. Actinomyces

6. C diptheriae: Gram stain

7. Actinomyces israelii
Genus Characteristics :
• - Gram-positive
• branching rods.
• - Anaerobic.
• - Non-acid fast.
• Habitats: human; normal flora of gingival crevices and female genital
tract.
• Mode of transmission: endogenous. # Trauma (invade tissue)

8. Actinomyces israelii

9. Chronic granulomatous lesion
that drains pus via sinus
(Sulphur granules)

10. Cervico-facial infection
(Trauma to mouth or
dental abscess)

11. Actinomycosis
• Based on the site of involvement, the three common
forms are cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal
actinomycosis.
• Cervicofacial disease presents as a swollen,
erythematosus process in the jaw area (known as
"lumpy jaw"): dental trauma or poor oral hygiene

12. Actinomycosis
• A chronic suppurative and granulomatous disease of the
cervico-facial, thoracic or abdominal areas

13. Actinomy
cosis
Actinomycosis
III) Lab. diagnosis

14. 1) Specimen

Pus

15. 2) Direct examination

Detect Sulphur
granules

16. 3) Direct smear

Gram stain
(Filamentous branching
gram positive bacilli)

17. 4) Cultivation

Anerobic

Thioglycolate broth

Brain heart infusion
blood agar

18. 4) Cultivation

Anerobic

Colonies
(Spidery molar teeth)

19. 4) Cultivation

Anerobic
Colonies identified by
Immunofluorescent

20. IV) Treatment &
Prevention
Actinomycosis

21. IV) Treatment
Clindamycin
Surgical drainage

22. Thank You