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Primary brain abscess with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an intravenous drug abuser

E Durán1, L López, A Martínez

  • 1Service of Microbiology, Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This case study reports a rare primary brain abscess caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an intravenous drug user. The patient survived after surgery and specific antibiotic treatment, highlighting a successful outcome in an immunocompromised individual.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Nocardia brain abscess is infrequent, typically affecting immunocompromised patients.
  • Primary Nocardia brain abscesses can arise from pulmonary or cutaneous sources.
  • Intravenous drug abuse is a risk factor for various infections, including rare abscesses.

Observation:

  • A case of primary brain abscess caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an intravenous drug abuser.
  • Initial clinical presentation mimicked an astrocytoma.
  • Nocardia otitidiscaviarum was identified after emergency craniotomy.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical removal of the brain abscess.
  • Effective antibiotic treatment with imipenem and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole.
  • Patient survival, contrasting with previously reported cases.

Implications:

  • Demonstrates a rare presentation of Nocardia otitidiscaviarum brain abscess in an immunocompromised patient.
  • Highlights the importance of considering Nocardia in brain abscesses, especially in at-risk populations.
  • Suggests that prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy can lead to favorable outcomes.

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