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Pulmonary actinomycosis

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Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Actinomycosis pulmonary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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: 5/3/2006
• 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.

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