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Alternative names Return to top
Actinomycosis pulmonaryDefinition Return to top
Pulmonary actinomycosis is a bacterial lung infection caused by actinomyces or propioni bacteria.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The organisms that cause this disease are normally found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, where they do not usually cause harm. Poor dental hygiene and dental abscess can predispose people to facial lesions and lung infections caused by these bacteria.
Actinomycosis in the lungs causes lung cavities, lung nodules, and pleural effusions. The infection can cross the normal tissue boundaries of the chest producing for example, draining sinuses through the muscles and skin of the chest wall. The disease is rare and may occur at any age, but most affected patients are 30-60 years old.
Men are affected more frequently than women.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of therapy is to control the infection, but response is slow. Prolonged therapy with penicillin or a substitute is necessary to ensure a cure. Surgical drainage of the pleural effusion may be necessary to control the infection.
Alternative antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, macrolides, or clindamycin, may be used in patients who cannot take penicillin.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The probable outcome is good after treatment with antibiotics.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of pulmonary actinomycosis develop.Prevention Return to top
Good dental hygiene helps prevent actinomycosis. Update Date: 5/6/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |