Use

Anaerobic Actinomyces are nonsporeforming, thin branching, gram-positive bacilli that are part of the normal microbiota of the human oral cavity and may also colonize the gastrointestinal and female genital tracts. Their presence is important in preserving the usual bacterial populations of the mouth and in preventing infection with disease-causing bacteria. Actinomyces are generally of low pathogenicity but may be an important factor in the development of periodontal disease and may cause soft tissue infections in colonized areas of the body following trauma (surgical or otherwise). The test is useful for diagnosing anaerobic Actinomyces involved in infections.