Which organism is most commonly associated with canaliculitis and sulfur granules?

Which organism is most commonly associated with canaliculitis and sulfur granules?

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. Actinomyces israelii
• C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• D. Streptococcus pyogenes

Answer: (B)

Sulfur granules in canaliculitis point to Actinomyces israelii. This organism is a filamentous gram-positive anaerobe that forms dense colonies; in chronic infections these colonies break into small yellowish granules, which can be pressed out or drained from the lacrimal canaliculus. That characteristic sulfur granule presence is the most distinguishing feature of Actinomyces canaliculitis, helping to separate it from infections caused by other bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes can cause canalicular or ocular infections, but they do not produce sulfur granules in the draining material.

Sulfur granules in canaliculitis point to Actinomyces israelii. This organism is a filamentous gram-positive anaerobe that forms dense colonies; in chronic infections these colonies break into small yellowish granules, which can be pressed out or drained from the lacrimal canaliculus. That characteristic sulfur granule presence is the most distinguishing feature of Actinomyces canaliculitis, helping to separate it from infections caused by other bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes can cause canalicular or ocular infections, but they do not produce sulfur granules in the draining material.