Prognosis
With high-dose and prolonged antibiotic treatment, in combination with surgery where necessary, the outcome of actinomycosis is favourable in more than 90% of cases.[60] Initial antibiotic therapy can be replaced by oral therapy after 4 to 6 weeks. CT scanning and MRI, as appropriate, should be used to monitor the response to therapy.
Relapse may occur. Therefore, patients should be followed up for several years after the end of antibiotic treatment for the recurrence of symptoms. Relapse can be diagnosed by culture and histology, as for the original infection. Treatment of relapses is the same as the treatment of a first episode.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer