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actinomycosis
(ak″tĭ-no-mi-ko´sis)
an infection involving the deeper tissues of the skin and mucous membranes, usually on the head or neck, caused by bacteria of the genus Actinomyces. The lesions begin as painless tumorlike masses that later break down and begin to discharge pus through a network of sinuses in the skin. Sometimes there are abscesses beneath the peritoneum, or in the lung because of aspiration. The source of infection is unknown, although the mouth may be a common portal of entry because the organisms are often found
in decayed teeth and in the tonsillar crypts of persons who are otherwise normal. The infection progresses slowly, without remission, and for a long time may not seem
to be affecting the general health of the patient. adj., actinomycot´ic., adj.
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