Bacterial lung abscesses

A lung abscess is a necrotising infection leading to loss of healthy lung tissue. It develops over several weeks, and the typical presentation includes cough, fever, and general deterioration. The clinical work-up includes contrast-enhanced CT-scans, and frequently flexible bronchoscopy with broncho-alveolar lavage as described in this review. The infection commonly represents aspiration of oral bacterial flora, including anaerobic microbes. Penicillin resistance is common. A lung abscess generally requires long-term, tailored antibiotic treatment. The patient should consult a dentist to identify possible dental foci.