ANUG
Pronunciation: A-N-U-G (spell out letters)
Also written as: ANUG — Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis
Acronym for Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis, a painful, rapidly destructive bacterial infection of the gingival tissues.
Full Definition
ANUG is characterised by the triad of interdental papilla necrosis with punched-out ulceration, pain, and bleeding, often accompanied by a characteristic fetid halitosis and pseudomembrane formation. It is associated with predisposing factors including psychological stress, immunosuppression (notably HIV infection), malnutrition, and tobacco use. Editors should note that contemporary literature may use the broader term 'necrotising periodontal disease' (NPD) to encompass ANUG and acute necrotising ulcerative periodontitis (ANUP). The G must refer to 'gingivitis', not 'gingival', to preserve conventional usage. Older texts may use 'Vincent's disease' or 'trench mouth' as synonyms.
Usage
Usage note: ANUG is the accepted abbreviation in clinical records. Prefer 'necrotising ulcerative gingivitis' in full-form text for contemporary usage; reserve 'trench mouth' for historical or lay contexts only.
In Context
- "The clinician documented ANUG in a 22-year-old patient with recent onset of severe gingival pain, bleeding, and necrotic interdental papillae." — Clinical diagnosis record
- "Always expand ANUG to 'Acute Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis' at first mention in a published case report." — Copy-editing instruction