Cervicofacial Actinomycosis

Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a disease that is characterized by the formation of abscess, fistulae, tissue fibrosis and draining sinus tracts. This disease can mimic many other conditions such as granulomatous disease and malignancy. They show soft tissue swelling in the neck and head.Cervicofacial actinomycosis is caused by bacteria known as Actinomyces israelii. This type of bacteria is usually present in the mouth, however it is capable of causing disease once it enters the tissues from an injured portion of the body. Actinomyces israelii anaerobic meaning it dislikes oxygen and grows deep inside the tissues where oxygen level is low. Root canal treatment, tooth extraction, poor dental hygiene or jaw surgery are some of the reasons which allow access to Actinomyces israelii thus causing an infection.