Pulmonary actinomycosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Respiratory system

Actinomycosis pulmonary

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.  

The probable outcome is good after treatment with antibiotics.

• Brain abscess
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Emphysema

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.

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.