Catch Me If You Can

Muhammad Omar1, Ashwyna Sunassee2, Matthew Hayes3

  • 1Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Insights

Nocardia asteroides rarely causes pelvic osteomyelitis, especially in individuals with undiagnosed acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case highlights a rare presentation of nocardiosis in an immunocompromised patient.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Nocardia species are aerobic, gram-positive bacteria.
  • Nocardiosis commonly affects immunocompromised individuals.
  • Typical Nocardia infections include pneumonia and soft tissue infections.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with pelvic osteomyelitis.
  • The patient had unrecognized acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • No concurrent pulmonary or skin Nocardia infections were detected.

Findings:

  • Pelvic osteomyelitis was diagnosed and attributed to Nocardia asteroides.
  • This represents an uncommon manifestation of nocardiosis.
  • The patient's underlying immunodeficiency was a key factor.

Implications:

  • Highlights the diverse clinical presentations of Nocardia infections.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering nocardiosis in immunocompromised patients with unusual infections.
  • Suggests pelvic osteomyelitis as a potential, albeit rare, manifestation of nocardiosis in AIDS patients.

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