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Disseminated nocardiosis with psoas abscess in a patient with AIDS: first reported case

Marcelo Corti1, Rubén Solari, Luis De Carolis

  • 1Division of HIV/AIDS Disease, F.J. Muñiz Infectious Diseases Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|May 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Psoas muscle abscess is a rare infection. This case highlights a disseminated Nocardia asteroides infection with psoas abscess in a patient with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Psoas muscle abscess is an uncommon infection with increasing diagnoses.
  • Advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • A case of disseminated Nocardia asteroides infection was observed.
  • The infection manifested as a psoas abscess in a patient with advanced HIV.

Findings:

  • Nocardia asteroides sensu stricto type VI was identified as the causative agent.
  • This represents the first reported case of Nocardia psoas abscess in the context of HIV infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Nocardia species in disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis of Nocardia infections are crucial for effective management in HIV-positive individuals.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the specific pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for Nocardia infections in advanced HIV.

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