Actinomyces bovis | |
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High-magnification micrograph of a "sulfur" granule formed by Actinomyces in the mandible, H&E stain | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Actinomycetota |
Class: | Actinomycetia |
Order: | Actinomycetales |
Family: | Actinomycetaceae |
Genus: | Actinomyces |
Species: | A. bovis
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Binomial name | |
Actinomyces bovis Harz 1877 (Approved Lists 1980)[1]
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Type strain | |
ATCC 13683[2] CCUG 31996 CIP 103258 DSM 43014 NCTC 11535 |
Actinomyces bovis is a branching, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium of the genus Actinomyces.[1] It is the causative agent of lumpy jaw in cattle, and occasionally causes actinomycosis infections in humans.[3] A. bovis normally populates the gastrointestinal tract of healthy ruminants, but is opportunistic in nature and will move into tissues through ulcerations or abrasions of the mucosa to cause infection.[4] The disease occurs when there is physical damage to the tissue of the mouth, allowing the bacteria to colonize the deep tissue and bone, typically affecting the mandible and maxilla.[5] Actinomycosis is pathognomonic for abscesses containing "sulfur" granules, and its colonies appear basophilic with club-shaped reaction products on a histological preparation.[6][7] Lumpy jaw is commonly treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics with varying success,[8] and can be a major economic loss for producers in countries where it is endemic.[9] Because this organism is zoonotic, it is a human health concern and can cause granulomas, abscesses, skin lesions, and bronchopneumonia.[4]