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[Nocardia infection: diagnostic and therapeutic problems. 9 cases]
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|December 14, 1985
Summary
Nocardia asteroides infections, including pneumonia and lung abscesses, were observed in nine patients. Cotrimoxazole was the primary treatment, with blood cultures proving useful in diagnosing immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to Nocardia infections.
Observation:
- Nine cases of Nocardia asteroides infection were identified between 1982 and 1984.
- Clinical presentations included pneumonia, lung abscesses, and lacrimal canaliculus infections.
- Three patients had positive sputum or bronchial secretions without pneumonia, suggesting carrier states or mild infections.
Findings:
- Seven patients had predisposing factors, most commonly steroid therapy (4 cases).
- Two of five lung infection cases had positive blood cultures, potentially due to enhanced detection methods.
- Cotrimoxazole was the preferred antimicrobial agent.
Implications:
- Early detection and treatment of Nocardia infections are crucial, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Diagnostic methods for Nocardia, including prolonged blood culture examination, should be optimized.
- Cotrimoxazole is an effective treatment option for Nocardia infections.