A CASE OF PURULENT PLEURAL EFFUSION DUE TO ACTINOMYCETES

Abstract

A case of massive actinomyco tic empyema, the fi rst report in Iran, in a girl of 20 yea rs o ld is presented with complete cu re after treatment by d rainage, penici llin and te tra cycl ine. The pathogenesis of actinornycetes and of o ther saprophytes is d iscu ssed. Altho ugh the incidence of actinomycosis has decreased in the a ntibiotic era, the possib ility of the infection should be kept in mind especia lly in rural a reas for a serio us infection that is easily treatable.