Actinomyces israelii Identification Quiz

Characteristics of Actinomyces israelii

• Colony formation on agar is characterized by the presence of "molar tooth" or "splash-like" morphology.
• Actinomyces israelii is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it requires oxygen-free environment to grow.

Transmission and Reservoir

• The primary mode of transmission is through endogenous infection, meaning the bacteria is already present in the body.
• The primary reservoir for Actinomyces israelii is the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.

Clinical Presentation and Treatment

• The primary clinical presentation of Actinomyces israelii infection is pelvic inflammatory disease, thoracic infections, and abdominal infections.
• The primary treatment for Actinomyces israelii infections is antibiotic therapy, specifically penicillin or tetracycline.

Pathogenesis and Associated Diseases

• The characteristic feature of Actinomyces israelii pathogenesis is the formation of granulomatous lesions and suppuration.
• Actinomyces israelii infection is associated with clinical diseases such as actinomycosis, which is a chronic bacterial infection.