Summary
Twenty‐seven cases of actinomycosis, involving the head and neck region, that have been observed in this district during the past twenty years have been tabulated. Available literature up to the end of 1934 has been reviewed.
“Actinomyces” is not a type designation, but a genus concept which includes a large number of types and varieties with highly varied morphological and biological characteristics.
There are both pathogenic and non‐pathogenic aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic actinomyces.
The morphology varies considerably even in the same type.
The clinical picture of actinomycosis involving the head and neck and also autopsy revelations are not characteristic.
More cases will be diagnosed correctly if the surgeon or clinician is “actinomycosis conscious”.
The medico‐legal aspect of the disease is referred to in the appendix.