Bioscience Journal (Nov 2014)

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw infected with Actinomyces sp: a challenge for clinical practice

  • Luciana Vieira Muniz,
  • Rafael P. Lacerda,
  • Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves,
  • João Marcos Arantes Soares,
  • Tiago Johnston Leitão,
  • Leandro A Barbosa,
  • Helio Batista dos Santos,
  • Rosy Iara Maciel de Azambuja Ribeiro

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14393/BJ-v31n1a2015-23254
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 31, no. 1

Abstract

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The Actinomyces sp has been linked to osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. The identification of these bacteria on histopathological findings confers a determining factor of poor prognosis and is related to difficulties of local control of bone necrosis and risk of recurrent infections. The treatment is complicated due to insidious growth pattern of Actinomyces sp. The methods for diagnosis and therapeutic approaches constitute challenges that underscore the need for understanding the risk factors for infection and knowledge about clinical conditions associated with this pathology. The objective of this study is to report two cases of cancer patients suffering from an osteoradionecrosis infection by Actinomyces sp, to describe approaches and discuss therapeutic options in the light of the current literature.

Keywords