Pulmonary Actinomycosis Mimicking Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Diagnostic Challenge
Abstract
Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare chronic infection that can closely mimic pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in both clinical presentation and radiological appearance, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic regions. Delayed or missed diagnosis may result in prolonged inappropriate therapy and disease progression. We report a case of pulmonary actinomycosis in a diabetic patient initially treated empirically for pulmonary tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of histopathological examination and anaerobic culture in patients with poor response to anti-tubercular therapy.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Actinomycetales infections and treatment
Mycobacterium research and diagnosis
Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e102871–e102871
- Publication date
- 3 February 2026
- Language
- EN