A42: Actinomycosis

A42.1: Abdominal actinomycosis

Bacteria occur everywhere in the environment. For example, bacteria can be transmitted by air or skin contact. Some bacteria cause disease when you come into contact with them. Other bacteria can also live on the skin or in the intestines without making us sick. However, you can be weakened by other medical conditions. In that case, you can also fall ill as a result of these otherwise harmless bacteria.

Specific bacteria have caused you to have an inflammation. These bacteria are called actinomycetes. The inflammation often progresses over a longer period. Your stomach or intestines have become inflamed by these bacteria. It is also possible that your liver has become inflamed.

When the stomach or intestines are inflamed, abdominal pain commonly occurs. When the liver is inflamed, you may have a fever and your skin can turn yellow. Ducts may be formed from the inflamed area to other areas of the body. Pus can be discharged via these ducts.