Pulmonary Actinomycosis Mimicking Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Diagnostic Challenge

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.