Different Types of Actinomycosis infections
Actinomycosis infection is caused by actinomyces bacteria which is commonly present in the mouth, neck, and face but can spread to all other parts of the body as well and cause many symptoms. It is a curable disease, but early treatment is required to avoid its long-term complications. So, make sure you notice its symptoms and visit your doctor immediately for timely treatment. Log on to http://www.infectiousdiseasedoctor.net/ for a consultation.
Learn more about the different types of Actinomycosis infections in this article.
Types
This infection commonly infects areas around the mouth and face. But it can affect other parts of the body as well, including:
1. Jaw or mouth:
Oral Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a type of infection that affects the mouth, jaw, or neck. This bacterium is usually found in dental plaque. It can spread due to poor oral hygiene, decay, and trauma to the mouth or face, where particles of dental plaque enter the mucous membrane. It can also spread from dental procedures. You can notice the infection within hours of injury, or maybe in several weeks when symptoms start to appear. Its symptoms include an abscess or woody fibrosis.
This is the most common type of actinomyces which acquire 50% of all cases of this infection.
2. Lungs:
Lungs and airways get infected by thoracic actinomycosis. This bacterial type infects people when they breathe bacteria from the mouth and goes into the lungs. The symptoms appear in the lungs first. Then it can affect the area around the lungs, the chest area, and the upper spine. Symptoms include fever, weakness, severe weight loss, and productive cough.
3. Abdomen:
Abdominal actinomycosis happens in the abdomen and can affect any part of the digestive system from the food pipe to the anus. The bacteria can spread when your appendix bursts, or after a person has surgery for appendicitis. Symptoms include:
- Pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent fever
- Abscesses
- Pus appears on the skin
- Diarrhea
This infection can spread up to the pericardium, liver, or spleen. Sometimes, it can affect your pelvis too.
4. Pelvis:
Pelvic actinomycosis can affect your vagina and other areas of the pelvis. It can spread due to certain gynecological procedures such as using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control for a long time can increase the risk of developing this infection. You may notice this infection when you start to have vaginal discharge, pain, or a lump in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Some women with this infection do not experience any symptoms. Only tests can find the bacteria. It can cause abscesses in the ovaries and fallopian tubes that can lead to complications with other organs within the abdomen and pelvis. So, if you have an IUD and are experiencing pain or discomfort, or signs of a fever then you should visit a doctor.
Some rare types of actinomycosis happen when actinomycosis can affect the central nervous system (CNS), which is rare. It happens when bacteria spread from the neck or face into the brain. It can cause brain abscesses, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.
Another rare type is when it affects the skin or bones. This happens when the infection spreads deeper inside the tissues.
Are you experiencing symptoms of actinomycosis? If yes, don’t worry we got you. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to http://www.infectiousdiseasedoctor.net/ get a consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life!