Actinobacillosis and actinomycosis
Diagnosis
Demonstration of Actinomyces or Actinobacillus organisms in pus or tissue sections from early lesions; typical histological changes. Granulomatous lesions containing granules in the pus may also be caused by staphylococci and Arcanobacterium (syn. Corynebacterium) pyogenes.
Specimens required
- At least four pus smears from deep parts of the lesion. Smears from the surface are not satisfactory.
- Affected tissue and specimens of pus submitted chilled.
- Sections of recent lesions in buffered formalin for histopathology.