Actinomycosis pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pathophysiology
- Actinomycosis is caused by the bacteria Actinomyces.
Transmission
- Actinomyces are part of natural flora of human body,resides in the oral cavity, lower gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract.
- They are non virulent under normal conditions
- When there is break in the mucosa, anywhere from the mouth to the rectum they reach tissues and cause damage.
Incubation
Incubation period of Actinomycosis varies from one to four weeks. But occasionally, it may be as long as several months.
Dissemination
Following transmission, lesions spread by direct extension.
Seeding
- Once the endogenous bacteria are introduced into the tissues, they multiply due to low oxygen tension.
- It triggers an inflammatory reaction which results in formation of hard yellow hard granules(sulfur granules).
- These are solidified bacterial filaments with surrounding tissue exudates.
- Abscesses with fibrous walls and pus along with sulfur granules develop.
- It finally drain out through sinuses.
Immune response
Actinomycosis elicits both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses
Microscopic pathology
- Positive for sulphur granules in pus
- Gram positive organism with branching filaments forming segment-like structures
- Surrounded by neutrophils
