Infectious Diseases

	Answer 4 Penicillin. Penicillin G is the drug of choice for treating an infection caused by Actinomyces species. Most clinicians administer penicillin for 6 to 12 months depending on clinical improvement.5 Surgical drainage is not necessary in most cases, and attempts should be made to treat even extensive disease with antibiotic drugs.6 Tetracycline and ciprofloxacin are ineffective against Actinomyces.7 REFERENCE 5. Choi J, Koh WJ, Kim TS, et al. Optimal duration of IV and oral antibiotics in the treatment of thoracic actinomycosis. Chest 2005;128:2211–7. 6. Endo S, Murayama F, Yamaguchi T, et al. Surgical considerations for pulmonary actinomycosis. Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74:185–90. 7. Smith AJ, Hall V, Thakker B, Gemmell CG. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Actinomyces species with 12 antimicrobial agents. J Antimicrob Chemother 2005;56:407–9. Click here to return to the questions
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