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Chapter 60 – Actinomycosis and Whipple Disease

Geoffrey M. Scott,
Sarah Wyllie

Actinomycosis is characterized by indolent abscesses that cross fascial planes, forming chronic sinuses that discharge pus containing (in 40% of cases) ‘sulphur granules’.[1] The causative organisms are mouth flora, so the jaw is a characteristic site for infection; other sites include the appendix, lung and uterus, but any organ may be infected.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

Because the organisms are part of the normal buccal flora, the infection may occur in any part of the world.