Buy backpacks, exercise machines, athletic shoes, and more at Fogdog Sports. Further Reading Definition Actinomycosis is an infection primarily caused by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii . Infection most often occurs in the face and neck region and is characterized by the presence of a slowly enlarging, hard, red lump. It is characterized by the presence of a lump or mass that often forms, draining sinus tracts to the skin surface.
Men are three times more likely to develop actinomycosis than women.
Actinomycosis is usually caused by the bacterium Actinomyces israelii . This bacterium is normally present in the mouth but can cause disease if it enters tissues following an injury. Actinomyces israelii is an anaerobic bacterium which means it dislikes oxygen but grows very well in deep tissues where oxygen levels are low. Tooth extraction, tooth disease, root canal treatment, jaw surgery, or poor dental hygiene can allow Actinomyces israelii to cause an infection in the head and neck region. The main symptom of cervicofacial actinomycosis is the presence of a hard lump on the face or neck.