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What antibiotics treat Actinomyces?

What antibiotics treat Actinomyces?

Preferred regimens — We generally suggest high-dose penicillin for actinomycosis [1-3]. Reasonable alternatives include ceftriaxone and amoxicillin.

Should Actinomyces be treated?

In most cases of actinomycosis, antimicrobial therapy is the only treatment required, although surgery can be adjunctive in selected cases. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for treating infections caused by actinomycetes.

How do you get an Actinomyces infection?

If something sharp pierces the internal body tissues, such as a fish bone in the esophagus, the bacteria can spread. Actinomycosis can also happen if there is tooth decay or gum disease. As the infection progresses, painful abscesses can form and grow in size. This usually takes several months.

How do you test for Actinomyces?

CT scan or ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and/or biopsy have been used successfully to obtain clinical material for diagnosis of actinomycosis. Surgery (eg, thoracotomy with open lung biopsy, exploratory laparotomy) may be required for diagnostic purposes.

Can actinomycosis be cured?

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for actinomycosis. High doses of penicillin are usually necessary to cure the infection. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor can give you other antibiotics, such as: tetracycline.

How do I get rid of Actinomyces?

What happens if leaving actinomycosis untreated?

Actinomycosis starts in the soft tissues of the body, but it can infect any surrounding bone if it’s left untreated. Surgery may be necessary to remove any infected bone. If the infection resides in the nasal sinuses, surgery may be required to remove damaged bone and tissue.

What are the symptoms of actinomycosis in the face?

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection that occurs most often in the face and neck. Symptoms of actinomycosis include a neck mass, jaw or face pain, and formation of pockets of pus (abscess). When actinomycosis occurs in other parts of the body, symptoms can include cough, chest or stomach pain, fever, and weight loss.

How long does it take to get rid of actinomycosis?

Treatment of actinomycosis usually requires antibiotics for several months to a year. Surgical drainage or removal of the affected area (lesion) may be needed. If the condition is related to an IUD, the device must be removed.

What to do if you have actinomycosis meningitis?

In rare cases, meningitis can develop from actinomycosis. Call your provider if you develop symptoms of this infection. Starting treatment right away helps quicken the recovery. Good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits may help prevent some forms of actinomycosis. Brook I. Actinomycosis.

What kind of antibiotics do you need for actinomycosis?

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for actinomycosis. High doses of penicillin are usually necessary to cure the infection.