ACTINOMYCES Meaning and
Definition
-
Actinomyces refers to a group of filamentous, rod-shaped bacteria that are gram-positive and facultatively anaerobic. These microorganisms belong to the Actinobacteria phylum and possess a distinctive branching pattern resembling mycelia found in fungi. Actinomyces species are commonly found in various environmental habitats such as soil, water, and plants. However, they can also exist as normal commensal organisms within the human microbiota.
Actinomyces bacteria are known for their ability to cause infections in humans and animals. Actinomycosis, the main infectious disease caused by this microorganism, typically affects the cervicofacial region but can also involve other body parts such as the abdomen, thorax, or pelvis. Actinomyces infections are often characterized by the formation of chronic, suppurative abscesses accompanied by dense tissue fibrosis. These infections can be caused by direct tissue invasion, usually following trauma or compromised barriers, or by the aspiration of Actinomyces-containing material into the respiratory tract.
Diagnosis of actinomycosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory identification. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antibiotics, specifically penicillin or related drugs, to combat the infection. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of extensive tissue damage or abscess formation.
In summary, actinomyces are filamentous, gram-positive bacteria that can cause chronic infections in humans and animals.
-
Ray-fungus, so called because it occurs in the form of an aggregation of radiating club shaped rods; it constitutes a group of the higher bacteria. The genus Nocardia now includes this and a number of other microorganisms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACTINOMYCES
Etymology of ACTINOMYCES
The word "actinomyces" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "aktis" meaning "ray" or "beam", and "mykes" meaning "fungus" or "mushroom". Thus, "actinomyces" translates to "ray fungus" or "ray mushroom". This name was given to the microorganism based on its filamentous or branching appearance, resembling rays or filaments.
Similar spelling words for ACTINOMYCES
- actinism,
- actinium,
- actinian,
- actinomycetous,
- actomyosin,
- actinomycetal,
- actinopod,
- actinomorphic,
- actinomycosis,
- actinometry,
- actinomyxidia,
- actinolite,
- acetonic,
- actinomeris,
- actinomorphous,
- actinometric,
- actinomycotic,
- actinometer,
- actinotherapy,
- actinomycete,
- actinometrical,
- actinozoa,
- acuteness,
- actinomyxidian,
- actinide,
- actinoid,
- actinomycin.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
