actinomyces

[ ak-tin-oh-mahy-seez, ak-tuh-noh- ]

/ ækˌtɪn oʊˈmaɪ siz, ˌæk tə noʊ- /

any of several saprophytic, filamentous, anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, certain species of which are pathogenic for humans and animals.

Origin of actinomyces

< New Latin (1877), equivalent to Greek aktino- actino- + mýkēs fungus (see myco-)

ac·tin·o·my·ce·tal, adjective

Bollinger determined that the Actinomyces bovis (Streptothrix bovis) is the cause of actinomycosis in cattle in 1877.

The Fundamentals of Bacteriology |Charles Bradfield Morrey
These latter areas were the seat of multiplication of the actinomyces fungus.

Special Report on Diseases of Cattle |U.S. Department of Agriculture
The actinomyces gain access to the bone through a carious tooth or through the gum.

Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition. |Alexander Miles
The actinomyces grains are, however, easily observed if the diseased tissue is carefully examined.

Special Report on Diseases of Cattle |U.S. Department of Agriculture

This organism, also called Streptothrix actinomyces, apparently stands midway between the bacteria and the molds.

A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis |James Campbell Todd

Actinomyces

[ ăk′tə-nō-mī′sēz′ ]

A genus of nonmotile, non-spore-producing, anaerobic to facultatively anaerobic bacteria pathogenic to humans.