Actinomycosis should be distinguished from a number of diseases: The pulmonary form of actinomycosis should be distinguished from an abscess, neoplasms, deep mycoses of a different nature, and tuberculosis. The abdominal form of actinomycosis should be distinguished from appendicitis, peritonitis and other purulent diseases of the abdominal cavity. Bone lesions should be distinguished from purulent diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Actinomycosis of the skin should be distinguished from tuberculous lupus, scrofuloderma, gummous syphilides, malignant tumors and other deep mycoses.
In the photo, a histological preparation of an organ affected by actinomycetes. The inflammatory infiltrate consists mainly of neutrophils. Granules (drusen) consist of many threads of branched Gram-positive bacteria. The treatment of actinomycosis is complex and includes several complementary techniques: Etiotropic therapy. Surgery. Immunotherapy. Immunity boost. Hyposensitizing therapy. Physiotherapy.
Mandatory is the sanitation of organs that are presumably the entrance gate for infection: the oral cavity, nose, ear, throat, etc. Of the antibiotics, the drug of choice is benzylpenicillin. Tetracyclines, erythromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, ristomycin, chloramphenicol, etc. are also prescribed. Antibacterial treatment is prescribed and carried out under medical supervision.
With the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is indicated, aimed at excision of the affected tissues, followed by drainage. With extensive suppuration in the lung tissue, a lobectomy is indicated.
In order to stimulate the immune system, the introduction of a specific preparation of actinolysate is practiced.