Actinomycosis and Subcutaneaus Mycoses PNU-2024

Actinomycetes

A group of filamentous branching gram-positive organisms that superficially resemble fungi but are true bacteria.

Actinomycosis

A chronic suppurative abscess caused by Actinomyces israelii, usually resulting from endogenous infection.

Sporothrix schenckii

A dimorphic fungus associated with sporotrichosis, having a yeast form in infected tissue and a filamentous form in the environment.

Subcutaneous mycoses

Fungal infections of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and bone typically acquired through traumatic lacerations.

Mycetoma

A chronic granulomatous disease characterized by painless subcutaneous masses, usually affecting the foot.

Gram-positive

Describing bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall retaining crystal violet stain.

Sulphur granules

Small firm yellow granules found in pus in actinomycosis, indicative of microcolonies of the organism.

Cervicofacial infection

A common form of actinomycosis affecting the face, neck, and mandible, often referred to as 'lumpy jaw'.

Dimorphic fungus

A fungus that can exist in both yeast and mold forms, such as Sporothrix schenckii.

Microcolonies

Small clusters of organisms, such as actinomycetes, often found embedded in tissue during infection.

Epidemiology of mycetoma

The study of how and where mycetoma occurs, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Anaerobic conditions

Environmental conditions that lack oxygen, promoting the growth of anaerobic bacteria like Actinomyces.

Chronic granulomatous inflammation

A type of inflammation characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, often seen in infections like mycetoma.

Laboratory diagnosis of actinomycosis

Involves crushing sulphur granules and performing microscopic examination for filamentous branching Gram-positive bacilli.

Occupational disease

An illness linked to a person's job, such as sporotrichosis among farmers and gardeners.

Antifungal drugs

Medications used to treat fungal infections, required in the treatment of conditions like sporotrichosis.

Opportunistic infection

An infection caused by microorganisms that take advantage of a host with a weakened immune system.

Chronic suppurative abscess

A persistent localized collection of pus that may lead to tissue damage and scarring.

Necrotic tissue

Dead tissue that occurs due to a lack of blood supply, often found in chronic infections like mycetoma.

Surgical intervention

A treatment procedure involving surgery, frequently employed for difficult-to-treat subcutaneous mycoses.

Actinomyces israelii

An anaerobic organism that is part of the normal flora and the causative agent of actinomycosis.

Eumycotic mycetoma

A type of mycetoma caused by true fungi, requiring surgical treatment for resolution.

Actinomycotic mycetoma

A type of mycetoma caused by actinomycetes, which usually responds to antibiotic treatment.