E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Actinomycosis

Lumpy jaw

Actinomycosis is a long-term (chronic) bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck.

Causes

Actinomycosis is usually caused by the bacterium called Actinomyces israelii. This is a common organism found in the nose and throat. It normally does not cause disease.

Because of the bacteria's normal location in the nose and throat, actinomycosis most commonly affects the face and neck. The infection can sometimes occur in the chest (pulmonary actinomycosis), abdomen, pelvis, or other areas of the body. The infection is not contagious. This means it does not spread to other people.

Symptoms occur when the bacteria enter the tissues of the face after trauma, surgery, or infection. Common triggers include dental abscess or oral surgery. The infection can also affect certain women who have had an intrauterine device (IUD) to prevent pregnancy.

Once in the tissue, the bacteria cause an abscess, producing a hard, red to reddish-purple lump, often on the jaw, from which comes the condition's common name, "lumpy jaw."

Eventually, the abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a draining sinus tract.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Draining sores in the skin, especially on the chest wall from lung infection with Actinomyces
  • Fever
  • Mild or no pain
  • Swelling or a hard, red to reddish-purple lump on the face or upper neck
  • Weight loss

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Tests that may be done to check for presence of the bacteria include:

  • Culture of the tissue or fluid
  • Examination of drained fluid under a microscope
  • CT scan of affected areas

Treatment

Treatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage or removal of the affected area (lesion) may be needed. If the condition is related to an IUD, the device must be removed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Full recovery can be expected with treatment.

Possible Complications

In rare cases, meningitis can develop from actinomycosis. Meningitis is an infection if the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This membrane is called the meninges.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this infection. Starting treatment right away helps quicken the recovery.

Prevention

Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits may help prevent some forms of actinomycosis.

References

Brook I. Actinomycosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 313.

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

Russo TA. Agents of actinomycosis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 254.

Text only

  • Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

    Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) - illustration

    Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) is caused by a bacteria introduced to face tissues by trauma, surgery or infection. Long term treatment with antibiotics is often required.

    Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

    illustration

  • Bacteria

    Bacteria - illustration

    Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood.

    Bacteria

    illustration

    • Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

      Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) - illustration

      Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) is caused by a bacteria introduced to face tissues by trauma, surgery or infection. Long term treatment with antibiotics is often required.

      Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

      illustration

    • Bacteria

      Bacteria - illustration

      Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus, or to the spread of the bacteria in the blood.

      Bacteria

      illustration

     

    Review Date: 11/23/2021

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
    © 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

     
     
     

     

     

    A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
    Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.

    Select Location