GENUS ACTINOMYCES

ActinomycesIt is a G-positive bacteria that grow in filamentsCause pyogranulomatous inflammtory lesions (absces)Most of this bacteria affect human and few are involved in disease conditions in animalsActinomyces spp are found on mucous membrane of oral cavity , urogenital tract and gastrointestinal tract ,also found on tooth surface

Characters of actinomyces1-gram positive bacteria ,filamentous rods2- non-spore forming and non motile3-anaerobic or facultative anaerobic4-non acid fast5-grow well on sheep or ox blood agar6-dont grow on sabourauds agar7- colonies grow at 37

N.B : A.bovis and A.hordevulneris adhere to agar N.B :A.viscosus can produce 2 types of colony (large smooth small rough )Antigenic structureEash species of actinomyces has a group of antigens

Diseases prouduced by actinomyces spp

Result in abscess with granulomatous formations on the fistulised place

Actinomycosis( lumpy jaw) in animal

Laboratory diagnosis1-direct diagnosissampling: suspected exudates containing sulfur granules , open biopsy Direct smear: granules are washed and placed on a clean slide In drop of saline a cover slip is gently pressed down , examine under microscopeRuptured granule or exudates or tissue impression are stained with gram stain and acid fast stain Isolation :on blood agar Temp 37 , anaerobic or facultative anaerobic

Biochemical reactionsActinomyces spp are catalase negative except A.viscosus and hordeovulneris are weak catalase positiveSensetive for penicillinDont grow on sabourouds agar2- PCR Treatement Sodium iodidepenicilline