Micro - Quiz #19 - Actinomycosis and Candidiasis

What are the 3 types of candidiasis?

1. Pseudomembranous (false membrane) 2. Erythematous (red) 3. Hyperplastic (rare) (above tissue/tumor/lobular)

What are 5 measures that be taken to treat/prevent candidiasis?

1. Topical *Nystatin (anti-fungal)* ointment or rinse 2. If immunocompromised, may require systemic meds 3. Smoking cessation 4. Good oral hygiene 5. Well-kept dentures and leaving them out at night

What percent of cases of candidiasis are the pseudomembranous form?

35%

What bacterium causes Actinomycosis?

Actinomyces israelii

What is a long-term bacterial infection that commonly affects the face and neck?

Actinomycosis

What fungus causes candidiasis?

Candida albicans

What is an opportunistic fungal infection found in the oral cavity that is carried in the mouth of about 50% of the world's population?

Candidiasis (Also known as thrush)

What is the form of candidiasis that is thought to possibly precede pseudomembranous candidiasis and is characterized by red, raw looking lesions?

Erythematous Candidiasis

T/F: Actinomycosis is contagious.

False

T/F: The most common form of candidiasis is hyperplastic candidiasis.

False: Hyperplastic is the MOST UNCOMMON and Pseudomembranous is the MOST COMMON

T/F: Actinomycosis occurs rarely in humans but is seen often in horses.

False: Rarely in humans but often seen in CATTLE

What is the form of candidiasis that presents with a persistent, white plaque that does not wipe off?

Hyperplastic Candidiasis

What is the classic form of candidiasis?

Pseudomembranous Candidiasis

What parts of the body are affected by Actinomycosis?

- Because of its normal location, actinomycosis most commonly affects the *face and neck* - It can, however, affect the *chest, abdomen, and pelvis*

What are 5 common symptoms of Actinomycosis?

1. "Lumpy jaw" - abscess with a hard, red or even purplish lump, often on the jaw 2. Abscess breaks through the skin surface to produce a sinus tract 3. Fever 4. Minimal or no pain 5. Weight loss

What are 3 ways Actinomycosis is examined/tested?

1. *Physical* examination 2. *Culture* of the tissue or fluid 3. Examination of drained fluid under a *microscope*

What are 3 subtypes of erythematous candidiasis that include the location/cause in the names?

1. Angular cheilitis (angles of the mouth - labial commissures) 2. Denture stomatitis (caused by unclean dentures - seen on palate) 3. Median rhomboid glossitis (seen on the tongue) - loss of lingual papilla leaves a smooth appearance to the tongue

What are 2 ways that Actinomycosis is treated, and what is the prognosis with treatment?

1. Antibiotics for several months to a year 2. Surgical drainage or removal of the affected area may be needed *Full recovery can be expected with treatment*

Give 4 characteristics of pseudomembranous candidiasis.

1. Coating or patches of white slough that can be easily wiped away to reveal red area underneath 2. Looks like curdled milk or cottage cheese in some cases 3. Usually an acute condition in infants or those taking antibiotics or immunosuppressant drugs 4. Can be chronic in those with compromised immune systems

What are 6 predisposing factors for hyperplastic candidiasis?

1. Diet 2. Denture 3. Dry mouth 4. Smoking 5. Antibiotics 6. Immunocompromised

T/F: Actinomyces israelii is a common organism found in the nose and throat that does not normally cause disease.

True

T/F: Hyperplastic candidiasis can be rough and nodular.

True

When does Actinomycosis typically occur?

- Occurs when the bacteria enters the tissue of the face after *trauma, surgery, or infection* - Common triggers are *dental abscesses or oral surgery*

What are the symptoms of hyperplastic candidiasis?

- White plaque lesion that does not wipe off and can be rough and nodular (other than lesion, there are no other common signs and symptoms) - Burning sensation can occur and is sometimes misdiagnosed as Burning Mouth Syndrome (most likely occurs with erythematous)