infections
Actinomycosis
Diagnosis of Actinomycosis
Examination and culture of a sample of sputum, pus, or tissue Sometimes imaging tests Doctors suspect actinomycosis in people who have abscesses, scar tissue, and fistulas suggestive of actinomycosis. Doctors obtain samples of sputum, pus, or tissue to check for various species ofActinomyces, such asActinomyces israelii. Often, a needle is inserted through the skin to take a sample from an abscess or infected tissue. Sometimes computed tomography (CT) or ultrasonography is used to help doctors place the needle in the infected area. Sometimes surgery is necessary to remove a sample. The sample is examined under a microscope and is sent to a laboratory where bacteria, if present, can be grown (cultured). Identification of the bacteria in the sample of sputum, pus, or tissue confirms the diagnosis. Sometimes imaging tests (x-rays or CT) are done to determine the number, size, and exact location of abscesses. 