Learn About Pulmonary Actinomycosis
Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare lung infection caused by one of several specific bacteria.
Actinomycosis - pulmonary; Actinomycosis - thoracic
Pulmonary actinomycosis is caused by certain bacteria normally found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria often do not cause harm. But poor dental hygiene and tooth abscess can increase your risk for lung infections caused by these bacteria.
People with the following health problems also have a higher chance of developing the infection:
- Alcohol use
- Scars on the lungs (bronchiectasis)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The disease is rare in the United States. It may occur at any age but is most common in people 30 to 60 years old. Men get this infection more often than women.
The infection often comes on slowly. It may be weeks or months before diagnosis is confirmed.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath
- Cough with phlegm (sputum)
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
- Lethargy
- Night sweats (uncommon)
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. It may take a long time to get better. To be cured, you may need to receive the antibiotic penicillin through a vein (intravenously) for 2 to 6 weeks. Then you need to take penicillin by mouth for a long period. Some people need up to 18 months of antibiotic treatment.
If you cannot take penicillin, your provider will prescribe other antibiotics.
Surgery may be needed to drain fluid from the lungs and control the infection.
Temple Faculty Practice Plan Inc
Rohit Kumar is a Pulmonary Medicine provider in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kumar is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pulmonary Actinomycosis. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Lung Cancer, Lung Metastases, Endoscopy, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.
Raffaele Scala practices in Arezzo, Italy. Mr. Scala is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pulmonary Actinomycosis. His top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Actinomycosis, Pneumonia, Cerebral Hypoxia, Endoscopy, and Lung Transplant.
Frederic Laurent practices in Lyon, France. Mr. Laurent is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Pulmonary Actinomycosis. His top areas of expertise are Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Infectious Arthritis, Septic Arthritis, and Osteomyelitis.
Most people get better after treatment with antibiotics.
Complications may include:
- Brain abscess
- Destruction of parts of the lungs
- COPD
- Meningitis
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Contact your provider if:
- You have symptoms of pulmonary actinomycosis
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
- You develop new symptoms
- You have a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
Good dental hygiene may help reduce your risk for actinomycosis.
Published Date: March 16, 2024
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Brook I. Actinomycosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 304.
Russo TA. Agents of actinomycosis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 254.