title: A case of empyema thoracis caused by actinomycosis.
abstract: A female patient who presented with left empyema thoracis caused by Actinomyces odontolyticus is reported. She responded to treatment with penicillin and metronidazole but after 3 weeks developed leucopenia complicated by gram-negative septicaemia. Leucopenia improved rapidly on withdrawal of metronidazole. Treatment was continued with a prolonged course of penicillin and she made an uneventful recovery.
authors.affiliation: Chest Unit, Penang General Hospital.
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Hooi
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Na
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Sin
mesh_terms: D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D000328:Adult; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins