Identification of Etiologic Agents of Actinomycetal Infections among Patients Referred to the Health Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria that have filamentous morphology with about one micron diameter. Actinomyces, Nocardia and Streptomyces are classified in this group. In this study, the etiological agents of actinomycetal infections were determined among patients referred to the Health faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).
To determine the status of actinomycetes diseases, 465 specimens including the broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tissue biopsy, abscess discharge and other clinical materiasl were examined via microscopic observation and culture methods. (2011-2015)
Results and Out of the 465 specimens, 20 (4.3%) were diagnosed as infected which included 11(55% ) Actinomyces and 9 (45% ) Nocardia. The most positive results were associated with pulmonary infections. Among the infected patients, 60 % (12) were male and 40% (8) were female. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of Actinomyces and Nocardia was similar, being more predominant among men compared to women. In order to obtain the appropriate results, it is recommended that samples are taken during doctor's visit and before starting a treatment. It is also recommended to use molecular methods such as PCR and RT-PCR for better identification and comparison with phenotypic methods.