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Many Actinomyces species are opportunistic pathogens of humans and other mammals, particularly in the oral cavity. [7] In rare cases, these bacteria can cause actinomycosis , a disease characterized by the formation of abscesses in the mouth, lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract . [ 2 ]
Actinomycosis occurs rarely in humans, but rather frequently in cattle as a disease called "lumpy jaw". This name refers to the large abscesses that grow on the head and neck of the infected animal. It can also rarely affect sheep, swine, horses, dogs, and other mammals.
Actinomyces bovis is a branching, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Actinomyces. [1] It is the causative agent of lumpy jaw in cattle, and occasionally causes actinomycosis infections in humans. [ 3 ]
Actinomyces israelii is a species of Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria within the genus Actinomyces. Known to live commensally on and within humans, A. israelii is an opportunistic pathogen and a cause of actinomycosis .
Schaalia turicensis (formerly Actinomyces turicensis) is a Gram-positive bacterium found in the flora of the oral cavity, gut, skin, and female urogenital tract. [2] S. turicensis is an important human pathogen of soft tissue infections in the lower body. [3] S. turicensis is a facultative anaerobe, growing in air and CO 2 conditions.
Actinomyces viscosus is a human and animal pathogen/pathobiont which colonises the mouths of 70% of adult humans. [1] A. viscosus has a low level of virulence and is often mistaken with other actinomycetes .
Additionally, Actinomyces have been identified as important members of the human microbiome, residing in various sites such as the oral cavity (mouth, pharynx, esophagus) and gastrointestinal tract. [9] While some Actinomyces species are commensal, others can cause opportunistic infections in humans, commonly Actinomycosis. [9]
Actinomyces naeslundii is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium found in the mouth of humans. The species has been implicated in periodontal disease , as well as various tooth cavities . [ 1 ] In other cases, A. naeslundii is associated with good oral health.