Actinomycosis

An infection caused by or related actinomycete bacteria. The most common form of actinomycosis affects the jaw area. A painful swelling appears and pus discharges through small openings that develop in the skin. Another form of actinomycosis affects the pelvis in women, causing lower abdominal pain and bleeding between periods. This form was associated with a type of IUD, no longer in use, that did not contain copper. Rarely, forms of the disorder affect the appendix or lung. Actinomycosis is treated with antibiotics.