Section 3: Actinomycetes Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Section 3: Actinomycetes Deck (4)
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1
Q

What are Actinomycetes

A

Actinomycetes are bacteria that have characteristics of fungi; most notably they grow in the form of mycelia. However, the cell wall structure and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are characteristic of bacteria

2
Q

What are the two Actinomycetes that infect humans

A

1: Actinomyces sp
2: Nocardia sp

3
Q

What are Actinomyces sp

A
  • Filamentous-mycelia-like
  • Gram positive beaded anaerobe
  • Part of the normal flora of mouth and GI tract
  • Can cause abscesses following trauma to the mouth or GI tract
  • Treatment is penicillin
4
Q

What are Nocardia sp

A
  • Long thin filamentous structure
  • Weakly Gram positive, partially acid fast
  • NOT part of the normal flora
  • Inhaled into lungs where creates abscess, frequently mistaken forM tuberculosis