Empyema thoracis due to actinomyces odontolyticus

Abstract

Actinomyces odontolyticus has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen causing systemic infections. A case of empyema thoracis due to this organism in a 68-year-old male is reported here. The patient did not have any underlying disease or immunosuppression. The organism was isolated from his oral flora also. Eight cases of thoracopulmonary infections due to A. odontolyticus have been reported from the western countries, but none from India.

Keywords

• <i>Actinomyces odontolyticus</i>
• empyema thoracis
• infections
• lower respiratory tract