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Detection and prevalence of IUD-associated Actinomyces colonization and related morbidity. A prospective study of 69,925 cervical smears.

Cervical Papanicolaou smears from 69,925 women were screened prospectively for the presence of Actinomyces israelii. The organism was not identified in non-intrauterine (contraceptive) device (IUD)-wearers. The prevalence of A israelii among IUD wearers ranged from 1.6% (general population) to 5.3% (clinic population). Protracted IUD use seemed to predispose to a higher incidence of infection. Direct immunofluorescence proved to be a more accurate and specific method of identification when compared with conventional light microscopy and anaerobic culture. Two of 112 women with direct immunofluorescence-proved A israelii had significant clinical infections. It appears that in the vast majority of cases, IUD-associated Actinomyces colonization produces only a superficial infestation. Conservative management is suggested for asymptomatic patients with cytologically detected Actinomyces to include removal of the IUD and repeated Papanicolaou smear after the next menstrual period.

Actinomyces↗

Cast-forming Actinomyces israelii canaliculitis.

BACKGROUND: Primary chronic canaliculitis is an uncommon disease usually caused by Actinomyces israelii (streptothrix). Actinomyces israelii is a cast-forming Gram-positive anaerobe that is difficult to isolate and identify. We present a case that demonstrates the typical clinicopathological presentation of this unusual condition and discuss management options. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 10-year-old girl presented with a 6 month history of intermittent 'conjunctivitis' and discharge from her 'pouted' left lower punctum. Microbiology confirmed probable A. israelii infection, but topical treatment failed. Exploration under anaesthesia revealed a canalicular diverticulum and three canaliculiths. Histological examination of the canaliculiths demonstrated that they consisted of solid casts of Actinomyces. Punctoplasty, removal of the casts, and adjunct antibiotic therapy resulted in resolution of the canaliculitis. CONCLUSIONS: Primary chronic canaliculitis should be considered in any patient who presents with chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis and the eyelid should be inspected for a discharging and 'pouting' punctum. Failure of the condition to resolve on topical treatment requires surgical exploration of the canalicular system and removal of any casts. Extensive surgery is not always required.

Actinomyces↗

[The first description of infection by Actinomyces radingae].

BACKGROUND: To communicate at clinical value of an isolation of Actinomyces radingae from an ulcerated lesion the external supra-malleolus region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We proceed to study the clinical and bacteriological value of an isolated aerobic gram positive rod in pure culture obtained from an ulcerated lesion ocated at the external supra-malleolus region of a 92 years old woman in whom there was later evidence of an epidermoid carcinoma. Surgical and antibiotic treatment were needed. The biochemistry characterization of the isolated was carried out according to the schemes of Weaver-Hollis and Funke et al, as well as the characterization of the fat acids of their cellular wall by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The isolated was identified as Actinomyces radingae. The patient follow-up was satisfactory after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The first infection description by Actinomyces radingae is reported wherein its pathological value is evident as it is isolated in pure culture.

Actinomyces↗

Actinomyces infection in female genital tract.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with pelvic actinomyces. STUDY DESIGN: We studied five patients with pelvic actinomyces who were admitted between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2002. The initial complaints, diagnostic methods, therapeutic alternatives and results of the therapies were examined. RESULTS: The ages of the cases varied between 32 and 52 years old. All five patients had been using an intrauterine device. Three cases had hydronephrosis due to infection. Two patients were diagnosed postoperatively while the other three cases were diagnosed with cervical smear and endometrial biopsy; penicillin G was administered to all. The patients are still under surveillance, and without any problems. CONCLUSION: In patients with an intrauterine device, actinomyces should be remembered in differential diagnosis of pelvic infections. Preoperative diagnosis is of the utmost importance in order to prevent morbidity of this infiltrative infection. Long-term penicillin therapy proved to be successful. Complicated or resistant cases to medical therapy should be candidates for surgical therapy.

Actinomycosis↗

Canalicular infection caused by Actinomyces.

We present 7 cases of canalicular involvement with Actinomyces collected over a 5-year period. All patients had involvement of one canaliculus, upper or lower, with lacrimal drainage patent to syringing. Curettings obtained by incising the involved canaliculi yielded Actinomyces species (5 cases) and Arachnia propionica (2 cases), typically in association with a mixed bacterial growth. Our results show that these patients often remain undiagnosed for months or even years, and are treated inappropriately for their recurrent symptoms. Despite sensitivity of Actinomyces to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, medical therapy alone does not eradicate the disease, and surgical evacuation of all concretions is essential to achieve a cure.

Actinomycosis↗

SEROLOGICAL GROUPING OF ACTINOMYCES BY MEANS OF FLUORESCENT ANTIBODIES.

Slack, John M. (West Virginia University, Morgantown), Ann Winger, and Dane W. Moore, Jr. Serological grouping of actinomyces by means of fluorescent antibodies. J. Bacteriol. 82:54-65. 1961.-Serological groups A, B, C and D of actinomyces were established using fluorescent antibody techniques. One hundred and thirty-eight cultures were included in the study. Eighty-nine were classed in group A, 15 in B, 13 in C, and 21 in D. The isolates were from patients and animals with actinomycosis and from healthy human beings. There was no correlation between source of the isolate and serological group. Furthermore, no one species could be placed exclusively in one group although the majority of those designated as Actinomyces bovis were in group A. Seventeen anaerobic diphtheroids and seven Corynebacterium acnes isolates were placed in group A. One diphtheroid was in each of groups B and D. On this basis it is suggested that these organisms be included in the genus Actinomyces.Additional species of Corynebacterium as well as Lactobacillus Propionibacterium, Streptomyces, and Nocardia did not fluoresce with any of the group antisera.

Journal Article↗

Characterization of some actinomyces-like isolates from human clinical sources: description of Varibaculum cambriensis gen nov, sp nov.

Fifteen strains of an anaerobic, catalase-negative, gram-positive diphtheroid-shaped bacterium recovered from human sources were characterized by phenotypic and molecular chemical and molecular genetic methods. The unidentified bacterium showed some resemblance to Actinomyces species and related taxa, but biochemical testing, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of whole-cell proteins, and amplified 16S ribosomal DNA restriction analysis indicated the strains were distinct from all currently named Actinomyces species and related taxa. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed that the bacterium represents a hitherto-unknown phylogenetic line that is related to but distinct from Actinomyces, Actinobaculum, Arcanobacterium, and Mobiluncus: We propose, on the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, that the unknown bacterium from human clinical specimens should be classified as a new genus and species, Varibaculum cambriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Varibaculum cambriensis sp. nov. is CCUG 44998(T) = CIP 107344(T).

Actinomycetaceae↗

[A preliminary study on fimbriae subunits and molecular weight of actinomyces viscosus 5951]

OBJECTIVE:To preliminarily analyse the subunits and molecular weight of fimbriae of actinomyces viscosus 5951.METHODS:To do the immunoblotting test of the only II fimbriae type of mutant strain of T14V.RESULTS:It showed that there was only one 31ku band,which indicated that the fimbriae of actinomyces viscosus 5951 was composed of the same subunits of 31ku molecular weight. CONCLUSION:According to the previous reports and results of present study,the molecular weight of fimbriae of actinomyces viscosus 5951 was speculated to be 124ku and the fimbriae was composed of 4 same subunits.

Journal Article↗

[Fine structure of the outer sheath of the aerial mycelium in Actinomyces levoris].

The outer sheath of the aerial mycelium of Actinomyces levoris 64 bears groove-like and granular submicroscopic structures. They are very susceptible to a short-term treatment of the aerial mycelium with aqueous acetone which causes their disintegration. Under specified conditions, submicroscopic structures, viz. granules and threads, assemble from the acetone extract of the aerial mycelium of Actinomyces levoris. These structures possess the anti-yeast activity. The granular structures reorganized from the acetone extract of the aerial mycelium of Actinomyces levoris somewhat resemble in morphology the structures seen in the outer sheath of the aerial mycelium of this actinomycete. The results obtained are discussed within the framework of the hypothesis on a possible participation of polyene antibiotics in the formation of the outer sheath of the aerial mycelium of actinomycetes which produce these antibiotics.

Acetone↗

[Actinomyces meyeri cutaneous actinomycosis with pulmonary localization].

Infections due to Actinomycosis species are located in the cervico-facial region in 50 to 65 percent of the cases. Extra-cervical cutaneous lesions are exceptional. The most frequently encountered germ is Actinomyces israeli, observed in 85 percent of the cases. We report the case of an Actinomyces meyeri infection which presented as a leg abscess and a pulmonary lesion. There was no cervico-facial localization. There was however a chronic parodontitis. A second germ, Capnocytophaga sp. was isolated from the abscess. This case is of particular interest because of the extracervical localization and the rare species isolated (17 other cases of Actinomyces meyeri infection have been reported). The mechanism of the infection can be better understood in light of pulmonary lesions in the lower right lobe due to inhalation and the coexistence of a buccodental germ in the culture of the leg abscess: buccodental origin of the germ, pulmonary lesion secondary to inhalation, septicaemic dissemination with cutaneous metastases.

Actinomycosis↗

Actinomyces infection of a cytomegalovirus esophageal ulcer in two patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Esophageal disease is a significant cause of morbidity among patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Many organisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of dysphagia and odynophagia. We describe a unique presentation of actinomyces esophageal infection in two homosexual male patients with AIDS and biopsy proven CMV esophagitis. After failure of esophagitis to resolve with ganciclovir or foscarnet therapy, the patients underwent repeat endoscopy and were subsequently found to have a secondary infection of the ulcers by Actinomyces. Treatment with intravenous penicillin G resulted in symptomatic and histopathological resolution of esophageal disease. This appears to be the first report of Actinomyces infection of esophageal ulcers in AIDS patients, possibly a commonly overlooked diagnosis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

RELATIONSHIP OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO ASPARTIC ACID AND GLUTAMIC ACID IN ACTINOMYCES NAESLUNDII.

Buchanan, B. B. (Duke University, Durham, N.C.), and Leo Pine. Relationship of carbon dioxide to aspartic acid and glutamic acid in Actinomyces naeslundi. J. Bacteriol. 89:729-733. 1965.-CO(2), which was essential for the fermentation of glucose to succinic acid by Actinomyces naeslundii, was also required for the synthesis of internal aspartic acid, for which the cells lack a permease.

Actinomyces↗

NITROGEN-CONTAINING AND CARBOHYDRATE-CONTAINING ANTIGEN FROM ACTINOMYCES BOVIS.

Pirtle, E. C. (National Animal Disease Laboratory, Ames, Iowa), P. A. Rebers, and W. W. Weigel. Nitrogen-containing and carbohydrate-containing antigen from Actinomyces bovis. J. Bacteriol. 89:880-888. 1965.-Water-soluble, heat-stable antigens have been isolated from the supernatant fluids of broth cultures of Actinomyces bovis ATCC 10048 after 8 days of growth in a broth medium composed of Casamino Acids, yeast extract, Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), sodium thioglycolate, dextrose, and sodium chloride. The antigens were precipitated from the culture supernatant fluid with alcohol and purified by fractional precipitation with alcohol in the presence of calcium or zinc and by chromatography on diethylaminoethyl Sephadex. Two serologically active substances which differed in chemical composition and size were characterized. The larger one contained 71% hexose and 2.8% nitrogen, and the smaller one contained 45% hexose and 5.4% nitrogen. Heterogeneity of these fractions could not be demonstrated by electrophoresis in free solution at pH 7.8 or 2, by ultracentrifugal analysis, by double diffusion in agar, or by immunoelectrophoresis. Despite their differences in chemical composition and size, they appeared identical in activity as antigens in complement fixation and in double-diffusion tests in agar. Each was found to contain mannose as its chief component after hydrolysis and paper chromatography with three solvent systems. A small percentage of the total nitrogen may be attributed to the presence of amino sugars but the remainder is as yet unidentified.

Acetates↗

Effect of chlorhexidine varnish on Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies in plaque from dental fissures.

This study describes the effects of varnish containing 40% chlorhexidine diacetate on Actinomyces naeslundii populations in plaque from human molar fissures. In each of 15 subjects two dental fissures with high levels of mutants streptococci were selected. The experimental treatment consisted of the single application of a small amount of chlorhexidine varnish onto the selected fissures. The varnish was removed 15 min after application. One month after varnish application a significant increase was observed in A. naeslundii counts while the number of mutans streptococci had decreased significantly compared with preexperimental levels. From 85 randomly selected Actinomyces isolates taken from blood agar plates before varnish application, 44% belonged to A. naeslundii genospecies 1 and 56% to A. naeslundii genospecies 2. From 106 isolates taken 1 month after chlorhexidine varnish application, 42% belonged to A. naeslundii genospecies 1 and 58% to A. naeslundii genospecies 2. At baseline 28% of A. naeslundii genospecies 1 strains were catalase-positive, but 1 month after varnish application 4% of the strains were catalase-positive (p < 0.05). It is concluded that chlorhexidine varnish application caused an increase of A. naeslundii in dental plaque, but induced no significant changes in the distribution of the two A. naeslundii genospecies.

Actinomyces↗

Immunoglobulins in milk from cows immunized with oral strains of Actinomyces, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium.

Immunization of pregnant cows with bacteria leads to the presence of high concentrations of specific antibodies in colostrum and milk. A total of 14 cows was immunized with single strains of heat-killed oral bacteria or pools of strains of Actinomyces, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium. Two cows were treated with adjuvant alone. The mean percentages of IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA in all of the milks were 83.8, 3.8, 9.3, and 3.1, respectively. ELISA and whole cell agglutination assays demonstrated high titers in the milks from the cows immunized with either individual strains or the bacterial pools. The highest titers determined by ELISA belonged to the IgG1 isotype and in several milks were 64-fold greater than titers in milk from cows treated with adjuvant alone. The concentrations of all antibodies and the titers determined by ELISA and whole cell agglutination assays markedly decreased from the first to the sixth milkings. The functional specificity of the antibodies was demonstrated by agglutination tests against a wide range of bacteria including members of Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Eubacterium, Propionibacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Bacteroides, Actinobacillus, Haemophilus, Capnocytophaga, and Wolinella. Minimal cross-reactions with bacteria in other genera were observed with all of the milks. High-titer milk preparations have been obtained from immunized cows, and the capacity of the bovine antibodies to agglutinate target bacteria indicates their potential usefulness in oral passive immunization studies.

Actinomyces↗

Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis associated with Actinomyces species.

Actinomyces species, gram-positive, non-spore-forming anaerobic bacilli were isolated from intraocular fluid obtained from four otherwise healthy patients with a delayed onset of postoperative endophthalmitis. One patient had a mixed anaerobic infection with recovery of both Actinomyces israelii and Propionibacterium acnes. In all four patients, early postoperative visual acuity was good but was eventually markedly reduced by intraocular inflammation that was first observed between 21 days and 4 months following uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Inflammation was characterized by anterior segment and vitreous cellular debris in all cases. All eyes responded to therapy that included intraocular, topical, and systemic antibiotics as well as pars plana vitrectomy and partial iridectomy. These cases further illustrate the need for microbiologic investigation, including anaerobic cultures, in all cases of chronic postoperative inflammation following extracapsular cataract extraction, regardless of the time of onset.

Actinomyces↗

Successful single antibiotic therapy in Actinomyces septicemia and liver abscess.

We are reporting on a 36-year-old man with septicemia and a liver abscess due to Actinomyces sp. The infection was most probably acquired while eviscerating a deer he had shot. The possibility of an infection involving Actinomyces bovis is discussed. The liver abscess was diagnosed on the basis of non-invasive procedures. Therapy consisted of high-dose penicillin without surgical drainage of the abscess. The infection did not recur during the three-and-a-half year follow-up period. No previous reports of successful antibiotic therapy for actinomycotic liver abscess without surgical procedures are known.

Actinomyces↗

Evaluation of a commercial kit in the identification of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum and Actinomyces pyogenes.

Listeria-Zym is a commercial kit designed to identify Listeria spp. within 4 h. Its ability to identify two clinically important aerobic catalase-negative, gram-positive rods, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum and Actinomyces pyogenes, was evaluated. Xylose fermentation and alpha-mannosidase tests differentiated Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (n = 49) from Actinomyces pyogenes (n = 24) strains.

Actinomyces↗