Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control the infection. However, many patients take a long time to get better. You may need to receive penicillin through a vein (intravenously) for 4 to 6 weeks in order to be cured, followed by several months of penicillin by mouth.

If you cannot take penicillin, alternative antibiotics are available. These include tetracyclines, macrolides, or clindamycin.

Surgery may be needed to drain fluid from the lungs and control the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most people get better after treatment with antibiotics.

Complications:

• Brain abscess
• Destruction of parts of the lungs
• Emphysema
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pulmonary actinomycosis.

Also call if your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.