Streptotrichosis

STREPTOTRICHOSIS, streptotrichosis (from Greek streptos-chain and trix-hair), a disease caused by the fungus streptotrix. In the past, streptotrix was considered a special species of Ray Fungus, but it was later proven that it is not a separate variety but merely a variant of the main species actinomyces, and the transition of one form into another can sometimes be observed in the same organism. Thus, at present, these forms are not recognized as independent, but are united under the common name Actinomyces (see Actinomycosis). However, the terms "streptotrix", "streptotrichosis" are still quite firmly retained in clinical and pathological-anatomical literature, in view of the fact that such diseases in the vast majority of cases still differ from typical actinomycotic lesions both in the localization of the process and its course, and in some morphological features of the pathogen (absence of drusa formation, different staining properties). The disease is characterized by the formation of dense, infiltrating nodes that gradually soften, break down, and form abscesses and fistulas. In some cases, the process may stop and the foci may turn into scars, while in the remaining cavities and bronchiectases, the growth of the fungus often continues. The tendency of such lung foci to metastasize to the brain deserves attention, where a picture of abscess or multiple abscesses usually develops, containing in the pus and walls the same pathogen itself. Metastasis to the meninges with development of purulent meningitis is observed much more rarely, and even more rarely to other organs (kidneys, liver, cardiac muscle). In some cases, however, pulmonary streptotrichosis can proceed in exactly the same way as typical actinomycosis: with the development of extensive, destructive, scar-forming and suppurating granulations, spread of the process to neighboring organs, rupture of pus through the skin, formation of fistulas, etc. Of other localizations of streptotrix, skin lesions are best known, in which in the skin (after punctures, splinters, etc. minor injuries) infiltrates develop with subsequent suppuration and formation of fistulas and ulcers. This same group of skin streptotrichoses also includes so-called madura foot (see). Streptotrichoses can sometimes also give metastases to internal organs and in particular to the brain. In addition to pulmonary and skin lesions, as a result of streptotrix infection, the following have been described: 1) inflammations of the lacrimal sac, sometimes with subsequent conjunctivitis and even keratitis, 2) stomatitis resembling soor, 3) ulcerative gingivitis, in some cases with spread of the process to the jaw bones, 4) abscesses of the tonsils and 5) ulcerative esophagitis.

M. Skvortsov