Cause:Often mixed organisms with anaerobic bacteria (Anaerobic Infections (Except Clostridial) such as fusobacterium, bacteroides, peptostreptococcus, and peptococcus as well as aerobic organisms such as necrotizing gram-negative rods and staph; from aspiration of mouth organisms
Associated w alcoholism, loss of consciousness, recent dental work
Sx:Fever, sputum, weight loss
Empyema, bronchopleural fistula, brain abscess
Xray:Chest shows abscess cavities with air fluid levels; or may show a round “pneumonia” before the abscess communicates with a bronchus to create an air fluid level; r/o bronchopleural fistula or empyema from which it may be very hard to tell