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| Actinomyces viscosus | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Actinobacteria |
| Class | Actinobacteria |
| Order | Actinomycetales |
| Family | Actinomycetaceae |
| Genus | Actinomyces |
| Species | A. viscosus |
Overview
Actinomyces viscosus is a species of the Actinomyces genus. It is a commensal of the oral cavity of dogs and humans.
Characteristics
A.viscosus rods are contained in soft grey granules which release the organism when squashed. There are two types of colonies: large and smooth colonies with V, Y and T configurations or small and rough colonies with short branching filaments. They grow in 10% carbon dioxide and usually respond to penicillin.
Pathogenesis
A.viscosus is involved in canine actinomycosis and causes localised, subcutaneous pyogranulomatous lesions and fibrovascular proliferation of peritoneal (peritonitis) and pleural surfaces in dogs. It leads to pyothorax, respiratory distress, cutaneous pustules in horses and abortion in cattle.