Thoracic Actinomycosis

Thoracic actinomycosis is a slowly progressing bacterial infection caused by gram-positive anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria that colonize oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract. Its low frequency at present and its different anatomical locations are a diagnostic challenge for various medical specialties. The case of a 44-year-old man with health history is presented here. This patient was admitted at Zacapa Regional Hospital in Guatemala due to a fistula in left chest and pneumonia in ipsilateral vertex for six months, initially it was interpreted as pulmonary tuberculosis. After further examination and studies such as chest x-rays, smear, HIV and culture of discharge of the injury, this patient underwent a biopsy of the lesion, showing sulfur granules and abundant granulation tissue and Actinomyces israelii compatible cellularity(AU)