Cervicofacial Actinomycosis: Report of a Case

Abstract

Actinomycosis was first described in cattle by Bollinger in 1876. In 1891 Israel & Wolff demonstrated similar infections in man. The latter authors considered the disease to be caused by anaerobis fungi and believed that the same microorganisms caused actinomycosis in both man and animals. Later authors (Cole-brook, Magnusson), however, have contended that human and bovine actinomycosis are two entirely unrelated infections.

The etiology, clinical picture and therapy of cervico-facial actinomycosis is discussed in connection with the report of a case of extensive osteitis in the mandible and infection of the parotid gland. The danger of masking actinomycosis through routine antibiotic therapy after extraction of teeth is pointed out.