ACTINOMYCES BOVIS Meaning and
Definition
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Actinomyces bovis is a gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium that belongs to the Actinomyces genus. It is commonly known as the causative agent of bovine actinomycosis, a chronic infectious disease found in cattle. Actinomyces bovis primarily affects the jawbones and related tissues of cattle, causing a condition commonly referred to as "lumpy jaw."
The bacteria can enter the animal's body through injuries or wounds in the mouth, such as tooth fractures or abrasions from sharp feed materials. Once inside, Actinomyces bovis forms characteristic yellow or sulfur granules that contain a mixture of bacteria, necrotic tissue, and inflammatory cells. These granules contribute to the formation of abscesses and fistulae, resulting in the swollen, hard, and lumpy appearance of the jaw.
Actinomyces bovis is an opportunistic pathogen that usually affects immunocompromised or debilitated animals. The disease progresses slowly over months or even years, with symptoms including weight loss, difficulty eating, excessive salivation, and swelling of the affected area. Diagnosis of bovine actinomycosis involves physical examination, sample collection for laboratory analysis, and imaging techniques like X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment typically requires a combination of surgical intervention, antibiotic therapy, and proper supportive care. Affected animals may require surgical removal of abscesses, debridement of affected tissues, and long-term administration of antimicrobial agents to control the infection. Vaccination and management practices, such as improving hygiene and feeding practices, can help prevent the occurrence and spread of Actinomyces bovis infections in cattle populations.
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Nocardia bovis, the specific cause of actinomycosis, or lumpy-jaw, in cattle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACTINOMYCES BOVIS
- zctinomyces bovis
- sctinomyces bovis
- wctinomyces bovis
- qctinomyces bovis
- axtinomyces bovis
- avtinomyces bovis
- aftinomyces bovis
- adtinomyces bovis
- acrinomyces bovis
- acfinomyces bovis
- acginomyces bovis
- acyinomyces bovis
- ac6inomyces bovis
- ac5inomyces bovis
- actunomyces bovis
- actjnomyces bovis
- actknomyces bovis
- actonomyces bovis
- act9nomyces bovis
- act8nomyces bovis
Etymology of ACTINOMYCES BOVIS
The word "Actinomyces" is derived from the Greek words "aktis" meaning "ray" and "mykes" meaning "fungus". It was coined by the German botanist Otto Harz for a group of filamentous bacteria that had branched structures resembling rays.
The term "bovis" is Latin for "of cattle". Actinomyces bovis is a specific species of bacteria that was first isolated from bovine (cattle) jaw abscesses in the late 19th century. The name "bovis" highlights the association of this bacterium with cattle.
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