NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Microbiology
/
Other Gram Positive Bacteria
/
Actinomyces Israelii

Master Actinomyces Israelii with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Actinomyces Israelii

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Nocardia
picmonic thumbnail
Whipple's Disease

Actinomyces Israelii

Acting Mice
Picmonic
Actinomyces israelii is a species of bacteria of the Actinomyces genus, which are slow-growing, gram-positive bacilli known for its branching at acute angles and filamentous growth. It is found along the entire digestive tract, from the oral cavity to the bowel as normal flora. Actinomyces israelii infections are associated with dental work or oral trauma that allows inoculation of the oral bacteria below the epithelium, which contains a lower oxygen content and is more favorable to the bacteria's preferred method of anaerobic growth. If untreated, this can result in a facial abscess. This bacterium is known to cause draining sinus tracts from the nidus of infection, which contain characteristic yellow clumps of bacterial colonies that resemble sulfur granules. Actinomyces israelii is also associated with genitourinary infections, especially in patients with IUDs in place. It is responsive to high-dose penicillin.
13 KEY FACTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Gram-Positive
Graham-cracker Positive-angel

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

Bacillus
Rod

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

Anaerobe
Ant-robe

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

Branching
Branches

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.

Oral Flora
Oral Flowers

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

Dental Work
Drilling teeth

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.

Oral Trauma
Drilling teeth

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.

Associated with IUDs
IUD

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

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
GU Infections
Uterus

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

Draining Sinus Tract
Long Tracts

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

Facial Abscess
Abscess-guy in face

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

Yellow Sulfur Granules
Yellow Granules

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

TREATMENT
Penicillin
Pencil-villain

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

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Actinomyces Israelii Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.