Actinomyces organsisms
- Actinomyces israelii - Gram positive filamentous bacetrium
- Commensal of alimentary tract - tonsils, mouth, upper intestine
- Pathogenic when
- Immunocompromised - Drugs, diabetes, steroids, AIDS, neoplasia
- Mucosal damage - appendicits, perforation, radiotherapy
Diseases
- Infection of neck, thorax, abdomen
- May mimic malignancy
Diagnosis
- Index of suspicion
- Microscopy - "sulphur granules" / tissue histology