ACTINOMYCES INFECTION

It is a rare cause of upper genital tract infection.  Infection is caused by Actinomyces israelii, a grampositive anaerobe. It may be associated in IUCD users more with noncopper devices. Actinomyces causes chronic endometritis. There may be foul smelling vaginal discharge. The diagnosis is usually made from tubo-ovarian abscess when the classic

“Sulphergranules”are observed histologically along with gram positive filaments. Presence of symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, abnormal uterine bleeding may necessitate the removal of IUCD. It is sensitive to penicillin, doxycycline or fluroquinolones.

SYMPTOMS OF ACTINOMYCES INFECTION: -

The symptoms include: -

- Draining sores in the skin, especially on the chest wall from lung infection.

- Fever.

- Mild to no pain.

- Swelling of a hard, red to reddish purple lump on the face or upper neck.

- Weight loss.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF ACTINOMYCES INFECTION: -

The medicines that can be thought of use are: -

• Hecla
• Hippozaenium
• Kali - iod
• Nitric acid.