cervicofacial actinomycosis
Quick Summary
Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces bacteria, which are normally present in the human mouth and gastrointestinal tract. This infection typically affects the jaws, neck, and face, and accounts for at least half of all human cases.1
The disease is characterized by the development of painful, hard, pus-filled swellings (abscesses) and draining sinus tracts that exude sulfur granules. Lesions may appear after a mouth wound or tooth extraction. While rare in humans, it usually strikes between the ages of 20 and 50. Treatment involves antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage or excision of lesions.1
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