Actinomyces: Genus of the actinobacteria
# Prokaryotic organisms
#Actinomyces colonies : form fungus-like branched networks of hyphae
# known as a ray fungus
#Scientific classification
# life cycle of sporulating actinomycetes
#Characteristics and Functions of Actinomycetes
# Generally anaerobic bacteria
2. Actinomyces:
Genus of the actinobacteria
Prokaryotic organisms :
Classified as bacteria,
but are unique enough
to be discussed as an individual
group.
Micrograph of actinomycosis,
Gram stain
3. Actinomyces:
Genus of the actinobacteria
Genus of the actinobacteria class of bacteria.
Gram-positive
Facultatively anaerobic
Except A.Meyeri & A. Israelii
: obligate anaerobe
Grow best under anaerobic conditions.
4. PROPERTIES
Actinomyces : species may form endospores,
Individual bacteria : rod shaped,
Actinomyces colonies : form fungus-like
branched networks of hyphae.
The aspect of these colonies initially led to
the incorrect assumption that the organism
was a fungus and to the name actinomyces,
"ray fungus" :from greek actis, ray, beam
and mykes, fungus.
6. life cycle of sporulating actinomycetes
• Order Actinomycetales
• Any member of a heterogeneous group of gram-
positive
• Generally anaerobic bacteria noted for a
filamentous and branching growth pattern that
results, in most forms, in an extensive colony, or
mycelium.
• The mycelium in some species may break apart
to form rod- or coccoid-shaped forms.
7. Actinomycete
• Order Actinomycetales
• Any member of a heterogeneous group of gram-
positive
• Generally anaerobic bacteria noted for a
filamentous and branching growth pattern that
results, in most forms, in an extensive colony, or
mycelium.
• The mycelium in some species may break apart
to form rod- or coccoid-shaped forms.
8. Characteristics and Functions of
Actinomycetes
Structure Prokaryotic
Size 1–2 μm diameter
Morphology Filamentous lengths of cocci
Gram stain Gram positive
Respiration Mostly aerobic, can be anaerobic
Habitat Soil or marine
Abundance, marine isolates 5–40 CFU/ml
Abundance, soils 106–108/g
