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Actinomyces culture |
| Test | Actinomyces culture |
| Indication | Actinomycosis is a chronic progressive suppurative disease forming multiple abscesses, draining sinuses, and dense fibrosis. |
| Physiology | Several species of Actinomyces are responsible for human infections. Actinomyces israelli is the most common. Pelvic and perirectal infections has been associated with intrauterine devices. |
| Normal Range | No actinomyces isolated. |
| Interpretation | Actinomyces produce chronic suppuration with formation of multiple draining sinuses. The presence of sulfur granules is highly suggestive of Actinomyces infection. Granules are detected on the gauze pad covering a draining sinus. |
| Sample | Exudate, draining sinus collection. |
| Test Method | Anaerobic culture |
| Related Tests | Acid fast stain, Biopsy, Endometrium culture, Nocardia culture. |
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