Actinomycosis Caused byArachnia propionica: Report of 11 Cases

Abstract

Arachnia propionica may produce disease clinically indistinguishable from that caused by Actinomyces israelii. The two organisms are morphologically alike and produce similar biochemical reactions. They may be distinguished by special laboratory procedures such as cell wall analysis, gas–liquid chromatography, or specific fluorescent antibody technics. Two serotypes of Arachnia propionica isolated from a wide variety of human lesions, including systemic infections, are described. The multiple etiologic agents of actinomycosis are discussed.