Definition

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a lung infection caused by the bacteria actinomyces or propioni.

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Alternative Names

Actinomycosis pulmonary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The organisms that cause actinomycosis are normally found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, where they do not usually cause harm. However, poor dental hygiene and dental abscess can increase a person's risk for face sores and lung infections caused by these bacteria.

Alcohol abuse is associated with actinomycosis.

Actinomycosis in the lungs causes lung cavities, lung nodules, and pleural effusions. The disease is rare and may occur at any age, but most patients are 30-60 years old. Men are more frequently affected than women.

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control the infection. However, many patients are slow to respond to treatment.  Long-term use of penicillin is needed to cure the condition. Alternative antibiotics such as tetracyclines, macrolides, or clindamycin may be used in patients who cannot take penicillin.

Surgery may be necessary to drain fluid from the lung area and control the infection.  

Expectations (prognosis)

The probable outcome is good after treatment with antibiotics.

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of pulmonary actinomycosis develop.

Also call if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention

Good dental hygiene helps prevent actinomycosis.

Lots More Information:
•Dental care - adult
•Tooth abscess
•Pleural effusion
•Brain abscess
•Meningitis
•Osteomyelitis
•Empyema
Review Date:5/3/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.