Actinomycosis is an infectious disease stemming from a rare type of gram-positive bacteria that is anaerobic in nature, referred to as the Actinomyces spp. While the disease is infectious in nature its location can vary and it may at times affect the cervico-facial, external mandible, joints and even the brain. We are at the forefront in research and innovation of this condition and as a result, we have built substantial capacity to further the development of vaccines and therapeutics of the disease.
Introduction to Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis is characterized by accumulation of pus, cellulitis, abscess formation, sinus tracts, and granulomatus tissues. It is a severe pathological condition due to A. israeli or A. gerencseriae, members of the Actinomyces spp. Most often, it is preceded by oropharyngeal infection, and mostly occurs in people with poor oral hygiene in the onset of dental infection, like most of those diseases. Actinomyces spp. share the commensal aspect but can shift to pathogenic when the mucosa is breached.
Fig. 1 Histopathological analysis of abdominal actinomycosis. (Vasilescu A. M., et al., 2022)
Pathogenesis of Actinomycosis
The actinomycosis development starts from the interplay between the host, the bacteria, and the bacteria environment. Generally, the disease can be attributed to two main mechanisms: hematogenous spread and contiguous spread. Hematogenous spread can be derived from pulmonary actinomyocetoma where bacteria spreads out to other sites via blood circulation. Contiguous spread takes place when bacteria like Actinomyces spp. invade surrounding organs for example cervicofacial actinomycosis or after trauma and surgery.
Vaccine Development for Actinomycosis
Research work is ongoing to create a vaccine against actinomycosis with the goal to aid in prevention of this tough to deal with infection. A vaccine’s efficacy sharply correlates to whether the correct antigens for inducing a strong immune cell response are selected, suitable antigens for Actinomyces species such as surface proteins, adhesin and virulence factors have been discovered.
Considering the fact that both active immunization and passive immunization plan are required while simultaneously development strategies for actinomycosis vaccines will also be implemented. Focalantigens in the form of adjuvant vaccines serve as binding enhancers or immunomodulation factors that facilitate and increase the level of immune response. The other end of the process, passive immunization, is provided immediately by pre-formed antibodies.
Therapeutics Development for Actinomycosis
The therapeutics of actinomycosis relies heavily on the use of antibiotics, with high dose of penicillin being the primary mode of therapeutics. Other suitable options that may be employed based on intensity of the disease include tetracyclines, clindamycin and third generation cephalosporins, with golden standard therapy being utilization of penicillin over extended periods of time.
Our organization provides development for the combination of antibiotic therapies that can eliminate the pathogens as well the actinomycetes bacteria. We take pride in presenting ourselves as a well-rounded solution provider, assisting in all areas and aspects of therapy development. Further information regarding our services in the outlined topic can be found in the link below.
Our Services
With our talented and dedicated specialists, we seek to accelerate the search and development of viable vaccines and therapies for actinomycosis through our combined efforts and modern facilities. We invest time and resources to solving problems that a complex disease poses and help expedite developing such anti-actinomycetes drugs by pharmaceutical companies.
Induced Actinomycosis Models
The procedures we undertook while developing our induced actinomycosis model included injecting strain A. israelii encapsulated alginate gel beads intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice.
Our company is highly invested in addressing the existing gaps in actinomycosis alongside conducting novel research and development works. Leverage on our rich experience in vaccine, therapy, animal and in vitro models development, we seek to push the frontiers in the prevention of actinomycosis. We welcome you to reach out to us for more information or for a quote regarding the services that we provide in light of the increased interest in our offerings.
References
- Vasilescu Alin Mihai, et al. "Abdominopelvic Actinomycosis—the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of the most misdiagnosed disease." Life 12.3 (2022): 447.
- Valour Florent, et al. "Actinomycosis: etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and management." Infection and drug resistance (2014): 183-197.
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