(ăk″tĭn-ō-mī-kō′sĭs)
[Pronunciation]
[″ + ″ + osis, condition]

An infectious bacterial disease in animals and humans.
Infection may be of the cervicofacial, thoracic, or abdominal regions, or it may be generalized.
actinomycotic, (-kŏt′ĭk)
[Pronunciation]
adj.

ETIOLOGY
Causative organisms are Actinomyces bovis in cattle and Actinomyces israelii (which is normally present in the mouth) in humans.
See: nocardiosis

SYMPTOMS
Slow-growing granulomas form and later break down, discharging viscid pus-containing minute yellowish (sulfur) granules.

TREATMENT
Prolonged administration of penicillin is usually effective. Tetracyclines are the second choice. Surgical incision and drainage of accessible lesions are helpful when combined with chemotherapy.