Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Actinomycosis is usually caused by an anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces israelii, which is a common and normally not disease-causing (nonpathogenic) organism found in the nose and throat.

The bacteria that cause actinomycosis are present in most people, for example in the mouth. They cause no trouble unless they get through the skin or some other body membrane, as a result of trauma, oral or facial surgery, infection, or a dental abscess.

They can be spread by human or animal bites (from people or animals with the bacteria), and there have been cases in people who have punched someone else in the teeth. The disease has also been reported in some women fitted with an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). This is called pelvic actinomycosis and happens only very rarely.

Poor oral hygiene and tooth decay are a primary factor that increases the likelihood of this infection.

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