Dermatologic Aspects of Actinomycosis Medication

  • Author: Talib Najjar, DMD, MDS, PhD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 23, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of actinomycosis are to eradicate the infection, reduce morbidity, and prevent complications.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

Actinomycosis therapy must cover all likely pathogens in the context of this clinical setting. Antibiotic selection should be guided by blood culture sensitivity whenever feasible.

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Penicillin G (Pfizerpen)

 

Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible microorganisms.

Prolonged therapy, including >1 year, may be necessary.

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Penicillin VK (Beepen-VK, Betapen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Robicillin VK, Veetids)

 

Interferes with synthesis of cell wall mucopeptide during active multiplication, resulting in bactericidal activity against susceptible microorganisms. Has better GI absorption than penicillin G

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Talib Najjar, DMD, MDS, PhD  Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Talib Najjar, DMD, MDS, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society for Clinical Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Janet Fairley, MD  Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine

Janet Fairley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Federation for Medical Research, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Drore Eisen, MD, DDS  Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Research Associates of Cincinnati

Drore Eisen, MD, DDS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, and American Dental Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Many thanks for continuous help and advice from doctor Edward Jonson, MD, internationally known infectious diseases specialist and Dean, Trinity School of Medicine and Caribbean Studies, Saint Vincent.

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Photomicrograph of gram-positive organisms in actinomycosis, which may be confused with those causing a mycotic infection (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification X40).
Photomicrograph of a characteristic sulfur granule of actinomycosis (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification X10).
Diagram of potential oral anaerobic infection.
Image shows an oral fistula caused by actinomycosis.
Periapical radiograph shows infection in the premolar tooth.
 
 
 
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