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What Does It Mean To Have Actinomyces Colonies Present In Tonsils?
Question: Hi there
I have recently (after 10 months of not knowing what was wrong with me) had a tonsillectomy, the lab report showed actinomyces colonies present in my tonsils.
I have spoken to my doctor about this, who advised that it is a fungus and no further treatment in necessary, however, everywhere I read on the internet states that actinomyces was once thought to be a fungus, however is actually a bacteria. I have read that this requires long term antibiotic treatment even after surgery to completely eradicate the bacteria.
Can you please shed some light on this, as everything I have read about actinomyces is different to what I have been told by my doctor.
Thank you.
I have recently (after 10 months of not knowing what was wrong with me) had a tonsillectomy, the lab report showed actinomyces colonies present in my tonsils.
I have spoken to my doctor about this, who advised that it is a fungus and no further treatment in necessary, however, everywhere I read on the internet states that actinomyces was once thought to be a fungus, however is actually a bacteria. I have read that this requires long term antibiotic treatment even after surgery to completely eradicate the bacteria.
Can you please shed some light on this, as everything I have read about actinomyces is different to what I have been told by my doctor.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Actinomyces is a bacteria (previously thought to be a fungus).
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. It is true that actinomyces was earlier thought ot be fungus and is now classified as a bacteria.
2. Actinomyces bacteria a ubiquitous (present everywhere) and even in the normal bacterial flora of the throat.
3. Actinomyces bacteria tend to cause chronic infections if they get a chance to invade tissue.
4. You can take a long term course of the penicillin group of antibiotics. This will eradicate any chronic Actinomyces infection, however there is no conclusive method to prove if it is just a normal commensal or an opportunistic infection. Also check if any culture and antibiotic sensitivity was done.
5. Let me know the progress.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Actinomyces is a bacteria (previously thought to be a fungus).
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. It is true that actinomyces was earlier thought ot be fungus and is now classified as a bacteria.
2. Actinomyces bacteria a ubiquitous (present everywhere) and even in the normal bacterial flora of the throat.
3. Actinomyces bacteria tend to cause chronic infections if they get a chance to invade tissue.
4. You can take a long term course of the penicillin group of antibiotics. This will eradicate any chronic Actinomyces infection, however there is no conclusive method to prove if it is just a normal commensal or an opportunistic infection. Also check if any culture and antibiotic sensitivity was done.
5. Let me know the progress.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
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