Pulmonary actinomycosis

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Respiratory system

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

Actinomycosis pulmonary

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.

Review Date: 05/03/2006
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.