ESSENTIAL THERAPEUTIC ADJUVANTS IN THE SURGICAL ARRENST OF VOLFF-ISRAEL ACTINOMYCOSIS

Abstract

Antibacterial therapy with sulfonamides and penicillin has largely replaced X-ray, iodides or thymol in the clinical management of actinomycotic infections. Furthermore, since depletion of reservoirs of body protein is frequently seen in patients with advanced Wolff-Israel actinomycosis, attention has also been directed to adequate dietary intake of protein and calories. Nevertheless, it is apparent no form of therapy can substitute for proper surgical drainage of pus and excision of devitalized tissue due to the infection. Another clinical feature of the disease is the great deficit in the total circulating mass of red blood cells which requires restoration by transfusion with whole blood. Case reports are presented of 5 bacteriologically proved infections of Wolff-Israel actinomycosis which were successfully treated under the program of management given.