Cervicofacial Actinomycosis Essay

Cervicofacial Actinomycosis is a relatively rare disease that occurs infrequently in the United States. In developing countries, the detection of Cervicofacial Actinomycosis is more common due to poor oral hygiene and untreated dental caries. Increased awareness of complicated bacterial dental infections in the United States has led to a more proactive approach in treating and preventing Actinomycosis. Described by Vyas (2011), Actinomyces Israelli is a bacterium that can lead to Actinomycosis infection and is commonly found in the nose and throat of human beings. The bacterium is part of the normal flora, but under certain conditions it can cause infection in the cervicofacial region, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, and other areas of the body. It can affect persons of any age but most …show more content…
The infection typically occurs following oral surgery, oral trauma, and in patients with poor dental hygiene. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is characterized in the initial stages by soft-tissue swelling of the perimandibular area. Direct spread into the adjacent tissues occurs over time, along with development of fistulas (sinus tracts) that discharge purulent material containing granules with a yellow sulfurlike appearance termed sulfur granules. Invasion of the cranium or the bloodstream may occur if the disease is left untreated. Once in the tissue, the bacteria causes an abscess, producing a hard, red to reddish-purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the condition's common name, "lumpy jaw.” Eventually, the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract (Vyas, 2013). The following case study identifies the unique diagnostic criteria and treatment of a patient presenting with the signs and symptoms of Cervicofacial