Actinomyces
| Actinomycetes | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scanning electron micrograph of Actinomyces israelii. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Bacteria |
| Phylum: | Actinobacteria |
| Class: | Actinobacteria |
| Order: | Actinomycetales |
| Family: | Actinomycetaceae |
| Genus: | Actinomyces Harz 1877 |
| Species | |
|
A. bovis |
|
Actinomyces from Greek "actino" that means mucus and fungus, is a genus of the actinobacteria class of bacteria. They are all Gram-positive and are characterized by contiguous spread, suppurative and granulomatous inflammation, and formation of multiple abscesses and sinus tracts that may discharge sulfur granules." Actinomyces are anaerobic. Actinomyces species do not form endospores, and, while individual bacteria are rod-shaped, morphologically Actinomyces colonies form fungus-like branched networks of hyphae.[1]
Actinomyces are known for causing disease in humans, and for the important role they play in soil ecology. They produce a number of enzymes that help degrade organic plant material, lignin and chitin. As such, their presence is important in the formation of compost.
Many Actinomyces species are opportunistic pathogens of humans and other mammals, particularly in the oral cavity.[2] In rare cases, these bacteria can cause actinomycosis, a disease characterized by the formation of abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract.[3] Actinomycosis is most frequently caused by Actinomyces israelii. Actinomyces israelii can also rarely cause bacterial endocarditis.
Actinomyces, a thermophilic bacteria, is usually the causative agent of farmer's lung, and bagassosis.
[edit] References
- ^ Holt JG (editor) (1994). Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (9th ed.). Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-683-00603-7.
- ^ Madigan M; Martinko J (editors). (2005). Brock Biology of Microorganisms (11th ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-144329-1.
- ^ Bowden GHW (1996). Actinomycosis in: Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al., eds.) (4th ed.). Univ of Texas Medical Branch. (via NCBI Bookshelf) ISBN 0-9631172-1-1.
ACTINOMYCES: Considered normal floral of the gingival area. Most common infection in dental procedures, oral abscess.
[edit] External links
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
