Actinomyces and related organisms in human infections

Actinomyces israelii has long been recognized as a causative agent of actinomycosis. During the past 3 decades, a large number of novel Actinomyces species have been described. Their detection and identification in clinical microbiology laboratories and recognition as pathogens in clinical settings...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical microbiology reviews 2015-04, Vol.28 (2), p.419-442
Main Authors: Könönen, Eija, Wade, William G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actinomyces - classification
Actinomyces - drug effects
Actinomyces - pathogenicity
Actinomyces - physiology
Actinomycosis - drug therapy
Actinomycosis - microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology
Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use
Bacterial Typing Techniques
Classification
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Reviews
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Summary:Actinomyces israelii has long been recognized as a causative agent of actinomycosis. During the past 3 decades, a large number of novel Actinomyces species have been described. Their detection and identification in clinical microbiology laboratories and recognition as pathogens in clinical settings can be challenging. With the introduction of advanced molecular methods, knowledge about their clinical relevance is gradually increasing, and the spectrum of diseases associated with Actinomyces and Actinomyces-like organisms is widening accordingly; for example, Actinomyces meyeri, Actinomyces neuii, and Actinomyces turicensis as well as Actinotignum (formerly Actinobaculum) schaalii are emerging as important causes of specific infections at various body sites. In the present review, we have gathered this information to provide a comprehensive and microbiologically consistent overview of the significance of Actinomyces and some closely related taxa in human infections.
ISSN:0893-8512
1098-6618
DOI:10.1128/cmr.00100-14