Actinomycosis

Alternative names:

lumpy jaw

Definition:

An infection, commonly of the face and neck, that produces abscesses and open draining sinuses.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Actinomycosis is caused by an anaerobic (disliking oxygen) bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common and normally non-pathogenic (not disease-causing) organism found in the nose and throat. Its normal location in the nose and throat account for actinomycosis most commonly appearing in the face and neck. Because this organism is normal for people, the infection is not contagious.

Actinomyces produces disease when it is introduced into the facial tissues by trauma, surgery or infection. Once in the tissue it forms an abscess producing a hard red to reddish purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the name lumpy jaw. A common trigger for this disease is oral surgery. Eventually the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract. Actinomycosis may occasionally occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis) and abdomen or other areas of the body.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial