Actinomycosis

Overview

4.5 out of 5 (24 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

8

Expiration Date

28 Feb 2026

Last Reviewed

1 Mar 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Actinomyces are gram-positive filamentous non-acid fast anaerobic to microaerophilic bacteria that typically colonize the human mouth, urogenital tract, and gastrointestinal tract but can cause an infection known as actinomycosis. The infection is usually granulomatous, suppurative, and may involve multiple sulfur-containing abscesses that form sinus tracts. Actinomycosis is generally not diagnosed until the chronic phase. In otherwise healthy individuals, the infection is generally treatable with a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics; the outcome is more nebulous for immunocompromised individuals. This activity reviews the evaluation and treatment of actinomycosis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients with this condition.

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Explain why actinomycosis is generally not diagnosed until it reaches the chronic stage.
  • Identify the most common sites for actinomycosis infection and the expected signs and symptoms associated with each site.
  • Describe the treatment considerations for actinomycosis.
  • Explain why a well-integrated, interprofessional team approach is needed to provide optimal care to patients with actinomycosis.

Disclosures

StatPearls requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. None of the planners of this educational activity have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

COMMERCIAL SUPPORT: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information


This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, and StatPearls, LLC. The Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University designates this activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity is reported to the following Maintenance of Certification (MOC) boards:
American Board of Internal Medicine
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • Internal Medicine
  • Infectious Disease
American Board of Pathology
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology
American Board of Pediatrics
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • General Pediatrics
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content in the activity.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment.
  6. Obtain a certificate.

For information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board.

Disclaimer

Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls specifically disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money-back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearlsand and Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls andQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements: Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls andQuillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Institutions. 

 

Media Usage Rights

The contributors and editors of StatPearls have attested that all associated media (images and video) have been legally cleared for use with this activity.  All copyrights are reserved.

  • Name: 'actinomycosis.jpg' Attribution: Image donated by Sbhimji
  • Name: '16153.png' Attribution: Contributed by the CDC/ Dr. Hardin
  • Name: '16154.png' Attribution: Contributed by the CDC/ Dr. Robert Fass; Ohio State Dept. of Medicine
  • Name: '16157.png' Attribution: Contributed by the CDC/ Dr. Lucille K. Georg
  • Name: '18687.png' Attribution: Contributed by the CDC/ Dr. Richard L. Levin, Greater Southeast Community Hospital, Washington, D.C.
  • Name: 'PHIL_2856.png' Attribution: Contributed by the CDC/ Dr. Thomas F. Sellers; Emory University
  • Name: 'PHIL_4333.png' Attribution: Contributed from the CDC

Reviews

Deborah Z. on 1/19/2021

Mark R. on 7/5/2021

Huy D. on 9/14/2021

Roshni J. on 9/18/2021

Renee v. on 9/20/2021

Harry A. on 10/6/2021

ramaswamy r. on 10/25/2021

Kevin C. on 11/21/2021

quang l. on 12/11/2021

DIMITRIOS T. on 1/2/2022

Binu T. on 1/21/2022

Christine G. on 8/7/2022

Brian L. on 9/16/2022

Daniel S. on 10/11/2022

Constance J. on 12/10/2022

Jeffrey W. on 2/6/2023

Rebecca p. on 3/6/2023

Theodore D. on 3/12/2023

Daniel H. on 4/4/2023

ANDRE M. on 4/6/2023

Muammar A. on 4/9/2023

Anandit M. on 4/21/2023

Yasmeen G. on 5/9/2023

Michael B. on 5/31/2023

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