Master Actinomyces Israelii with Picmonic for Medicine

This bacteria stains gram-positive, which indicates a thick peptidoglycan cell wall to uptake the Gram stain.

Actinomyces are described as a bacillus, or rod-shaped organisms.

Actinomyces are anaerobic bacteria, meaning that it does not require oxygen for growth.

This bacteria is known for its branching, filamentous growth which distinguishes it from other gram-positive bacteria. This branching can be mistaken to be a branching fungal hyphae.

This bacteria is normal flora in the oral cavity, as well as the entire length of the digestive tract.

This bacteria is commonly associated with infection during dental work, due to trauma to the oral cavity. This allows penetration of the bacteria beyond the epithelium.

Any type of oral trauma, which is common in dental work or physical altercations, can result in the inoculation of the bacteria beyond the epithelium.

Infections that occur in the pelvic region are commonly associated with IUDs.

This bacteria is associated with infections that spread to the genitourinary tract.

This bacteria can cause draining sinus tracts of pus from the source of infection.

Actinomyces infections, if untreated, can cause facial abscesses due to its slow-growing and indolent course.

This bacteria tends to clump into yellow colonies that resemble sulfur granules. This can be found in the pus or draining sinus tracts.

This bacteria is responsive to high-dose oral penicillin over a long course of treatment.