A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal

Polymicrobial infections with specific Actinomyces and related organisms, using the current taxonomy




AuthorsKönönen Eija

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication year2024

JournalJournal of Oral Microbiology

Journal name in sourceJournal of Oral Microbiology

Article number2354148

Volume16

Issue1

eISSN2000-2297

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2024.2354148

Web address https://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2024.2354148

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/404710928


Abstract

Actinomyces organisms reside on mucosal surfaces of the oropharynx and the genitourinary tract. Polymicrobial infections with Actinomyces organisms are increasingly being reported in the literature. Since these infections differ from classical actinomycosis, lacking of specific clinical and imaging findings, slow-growing Actinomyces organisms can be regarded as contaminants or insignificant findings. In addition, only limited knowledge is available about novel Actinomyces species and their clinical relevance. The recent reclassifications have resulted in the transfer of several Actinomyces species to novel genera BowdeniellaGleimiaPauljenseniaSchaalia, or Winkia. The spectrum of diseases associated with specific members of Actinomyces and these related genera varies. In human infections, the most common species are Actinomyces israeliiSchaalia meyeri, and Schaalia odontolytica, which are typical inhabitants of the mouth, and Gleimia europaeaSchaalia turicensis, and Winkia neuii. In this narrative review, the purpose was to gather information on the emerging role of specific organisms within the Actinomyces and related genera in polymicrobial infections. These include Actinomyces graevenitzii in pulmonary infections, S. meyeri in brain abscesses and infections in the lower respiratory tract, S. turicensis in skin-related infections, G. europaea in necrotizing fasciitis and skin abscesses, and W. neuii in infected tissues around prostheses and devices. Increased understanding of the role of Actinomyces and related species in polymicrobial infections could provide improved outcomes for patient care.


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The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.


Last updated on 2024-28-11 at 12:17