This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Diagnosis of actinomycosis

Authoring team

diagnosis

Making the diagnosis of actinomycosis is difficult. It should be suspected in patients with the following clinical 'warning signs'

  • indolent course
  • chronicity
  • mass-like features
  • development of sinus tracts (which can heal and re-form)
  • progression through tissue planes
  • refractory or relapsing infection after short course of antibiotics

A definitive diagnosis depends on isolating the organism from a clinical specimen.

Investigations which are useful in actinomycosis include:

  • blood test - usually non specific, may have anaemia, mild leucocytosis, raised ESR and CRP and alkaline phosphatase (in hepatic actinomycosis)
  • histopatholgy - presence of gram positive filamentous organisms and sulphur granules on histological examination is strongly supportive of a diagnosis of actinomycosis
  • microbiology - direct isolation of the organism (either from a clinical specimen or from 'sulphur granules) provides a definitive diagnosis

Reference:

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.