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Nocardia asteroides abscess after heart transplantation
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
A thigh abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides occurred in a cardiac transplant patient. Prompt diagnosis and a long course of cotrimoxazole led to a full recovery with no disease recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Cardiac transplant recipients are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Nocardia infections can manifest in various organs, including soft tissues.
Observation:
- A patient developed a primary thigh adductor-muscle abscess.
- The abscess was caused by Nocardia asteroides.
- This occurred three years post-orthotopic cardiac transplantation.
Findings:
- Nocardia asteroides was identified via microbiologic culture.
- The patient received a prolonged course of cotrimoxazole.
- Complete resolution of the abscess and infection was achieved.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for late-onset Nocardia infections in transplant recipients.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Cotrimoxazole is an effective treatment for Nocardia muscle abscesses in this population.