Lung abscess

Last updated: Friday, 17, December, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

Blood cultures; FBC, CRP , FNAB or bronchial brush, wash; bronchoalveolar lavage for pus - microscopy and culture, mycobacteria testing.

See also Pneumonia with abcess

Bacterial

  • Streptococcus “milleri”
  • Anaerobes
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Legionella spp

See Legionella infection.

  • Nocardia spp 

If Nocardia spp infection is suspected, the laboratory should be informed (prolonged incubation is required).

Mycobacterial

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis 

See Tuberculosis.

Fungal

  • Aspergillus spp

See Aspergillosis.

  • Mucor sp

See Mucormycosis.

  • Cryptococcus neoformans 

Usually solid, rather than cystic, lesions; see Cryptococcal infection.

Parasitic

  • Entamoeba histolytica 

See Amoebiasis.

  • Paragonimus westermani 

Sputum microscopy for characteristic ova. Removal of affected lung with lung biopsy may be required for diagnosis and treatment.