Actinomycetes

A heterogeneous collection of bacteria that form branching filaments. The actinomycetes

encompass two different groups of filamentous bacteria: the actinomycetes per se and the
nocardia/streptomycete complex. Historically, the actinomycetes were called the ray
fungi and were thought to be related to the true fungi, such as bread molds, because they
formed mats (mycelia) of branching filaments (hyphae). However, unlike the true fungi,
the actinomycetes have thin hyphae (0.5–1.5 micrometers in diameter) with genetic
material coiled inside as free DNA. The cell wall of the hyphae is made up of a cross-
linked polymer containing short chains of amino acids and long chains of amino sugars.
In general, actinomycetes do not have membrane-bound cell organelles. Actinomycetes
are susceptible to a wide range of antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial diseases, such
as penicillin and tetracycline. See also Amino sugar; Antibiotic.

Members of the genus Actinomyces are most often found in the mouth and
gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. Actinomyces do not require oxygen for
growth and are sometimes referred to as anaerobic bacteria. It is actually the requirement
for elevated levels of carbon dioxide rather than the negative effect of oxygen that
characterizes Actinomyces. When displaced from their normal sites within the mouth or
gastrointestinal tract, Actinomyces may cause diseases in humans, such as lung abscesses,
appendicitis, and lumpy jaw, which is also seen in cattle. Serious ulcers of the cornea of
the eye have been caused by contact lens contaminated with saliva containing
Actinomyces.

The nocardia/streptomycete complex constitutes a continuous spectrum of organisms

from those most like true bacteria to those that are superficially most like fungi. The
nocardiae represent the transition, having members that resemble the bacteria that cause
diphtheria (Corynebacterium) and tuberculosis (Mycobacterium). Members of the genus
Nocardia require oxygen for growth, are found in soil and water, and have the ability to
use a wide range of organic material as a source of energy. A few species of Nocardia
cause disease in humans. Nocardiae inhaled from the soil may cause a disease of the
lungs similar to tuberculosis. A few species produce clinically useful antibiotics. The
streptomycetes have long branching filaments and two types of mycelia. The cell walls
are typical bacterial cell walls and do not contain the fatty acids found in nocardiae and
mycobacteria. Streptomycetes require oxygen for growth, are found in soil and water, and
have the ability to utilize a wide range of organic materials as nutrients. The
streptomycetes are particularly important in degradation of dead plant materials in soil;
the aroma of fresh soil and newly dug potatoes is actually due to streptomycetes.
Streptomycetes do not produce disease in humans or animals and are best known for
producing many clinically useful antibiotics, including streptomycin, tetracycline, and
cephalosporin. There are many other genera of actinomycetes, defined on the bases of
morphology, chemical composition of cell walls, or unique roles in nature. See also
Bacteria; Diphtheria; Medical bacteriology; Soil microbiology; Tuberculosis.