Actinomyces - Microbiology and Actinomycosis - Diagnosis & treatment

Actinomycosis is a rare type of infectious bacterial disease. Unlike other infections, actinomycosis is able to move gradually and infiltrate the body's tissue, causing swelling and inflammation. Eventually there is tissue damage and scaring, pus-filled abscesses appear in the mouth, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract. Small holes leaking pus form in the affected tissue. Actinomycosis is caused by a species of bacteria known as actinomyces, which live harmlessly in the lining of the mouth, throat, digestive