Chronic actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible: A case report

Introduction: Actinomycosis is a subacute to chronic infection caused by a group of anaerobic or microaerophilic filamentous bacteria, the Actinomyces species. It is characterized by granulomatous inflammation, contiguous spreading to adjacent tissues, and consequently purulent abscesses and sinus formation. Cervicofacial actinomycosis represents two thirds of these infections with the mandible being the most common location. Bone involvement such as osteomyelitis is relatively rare, and is found in 10% of all cervicofacial cases.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research