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Pulmonary actinomycosis |
| Definition: |
| Pulmonary actinomycosis is a bacterial lung infection caused by actinomyces or propionibacteria.
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| Alternative Names: |
| Actinomycosis pulmonary
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
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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: |
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| Signs and tests: |
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| Treatment: |
| 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. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| The probable outcome is good after treatment with antibiotics. |
| Complications: |
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| 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. |
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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