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Respiratory system
Respiratory system
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Pulmonary actinomycosis

Definition:
Pulmonary actinomycosis is a bacterial lung infection caused by actinomyces or propionibacteria.

Alternative Names:
Actinomycosis pulmonary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.



Review Date: 7/17/2002
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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