Introduction Actinomyces and Nocardia are the fungus-like bacteria they grow in branching structures (mycelia) they are water and soil saprophytes both are gram-positive rods Actinomyces form sulfur granules and are anaerobic Nocardia are acid-fast (partially) and aerobic Treat with "SNAP" Sulfa for Nocardia Actinomyces use Penicillin CharacteristicsNocardiaActinomycesCulture requirementsAerobicAnaerobeStainPartially acid-fastNot acid-fastReservoirSoilCommensal of mouth genital and GI tractsClinical presentationPulmonary infections in immunocompromisedCutaneuous infections in immunocompetent following traumaMultiple brain abscessesCervico-facial abscesses which drain through sinus tracts formingyellow sulfur granulesPID with IUDsSolitary brain abscess