Abstract
Similarly to other non-spore-forming Gram-positive anaerobes, members of the Actinomyces genus are important saprophytic constituents of the normal microbiota of humans. Actinomyces infections are considered to be rare, with cervicofacial infections (also known as ‘lumpy jaw syndrome’) being the most prevalent type in the clinical practice. Actinomycoses are characterized by a slowly progressing (indolent) infection, with non-specific symptoms, and additionally, the clinical presentation of the signs/symptoms can mimic other pathologies, such as solid tumors, active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections, nocardiosis, fungal infections, infarctions, and so on. The clinical diagnosis of actinomycosis may be difficult due to its non-specific symptoms and the fastidious, slow-growing nature of the pathogens, requiring an anaerobic atmosphere for primary isolation. Based on 111 references, the aim of this review is to summarize current advances regarding the clinical features, diagnostics, and therapy of cervicofacial Actinomyces infections and act as a paper for dentistry specialists, other physicians, and clinical microbiologists.
Highlights
Introduction of dental implantsDiabetesCervicofacial surgery Alcoholism Traumatic injurySmoking and/or inhalation of particlesBisphosphonate therapyLow socio-economic statusRadiation therapySeizure disorders Crohn’s diseaseHereditary diseases
Actinomyces species have been implicated in two other cervicofacial pathologies, that were previously considered non-infectious diseases: bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoradionecrosis [5,19,49,50,51,52]
Radiation therapy is characterized by mucosal disruption and corticosteroid use, while bisphosphonate therapy in elderly patients is due to osteoporosis; both clinical situations usually correspond to patients with advanced age and severe underlying conditions, and these medical interventions may facilitate the invasion of the jawbone by these pathogens [5,19,49,50,51,52]
Summary
Hereditary diseases (e.g., hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, chronic granulomatous disease). Actinomyces species have been implicated in two other cervicofacial pathologies, that were previously considered non-infectious diseases: bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaw and osteoradionecrosis [5,19,49,50,51,52]. In both cases, Actinomyces spp. and biofilm containing sulfur granules were detected in necrotic bone lesions, presumably further facilitating bone tissue damage. Radiation therapy is characterized by mucosal disruption and corticosteroid use, while bisphosphonate therapy in elderly patients is due to osteoporosis; both clinical situations usually correspond to patients with advanced age and severe underlying conditions, and these medical interventions may facilitate the invasion of the jawbone by these pathogens ( the exact pathomechanism of these diseases is still not clear) [5,19,49,50,51,52]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
