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Nocardia brain abscess in a liver transplant recipient
Jung Hyeon Moon1, Won-Sang Cho, Hyun-Seung Kang
1Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|December 27, 2011
Summary
Nocardia brain abscess is rare, especially in liver transplant recipients. This case highlights successful treatment of Nocardia farcinica brain abscess with surgery and antibiotics following Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Nocardia infections, particularly brain abscesses, are uncommon.
- Liver transplant recipients are immunocompromised, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia is a known complication in transplant patients.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old liver transplant recipient developed altered mental status.
- Symptoms appeared two months post-treatment for Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a Nocardia farcinica brain abscess.
- Successful treatment involved surgical abscess resection.
- Antibiotic therapy included trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ceftriaxone.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Nocardia in immunocompromised patients with neurological symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and a combination of surgical and antibiotic treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Highlights the potential for polymicrobial infections in transplant recipients.
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