Recurrent Nocardial Brain Abscess Developing in an Immunocompetent Patient, A Case Report

Central nervous system nocardiosis is rare but has high morbidity and mortality. Immunocompromised patients who have malignancies such as lymphoma, infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and bone marrow or solid organ recipients are particularly vulnerable to infection. However, here, we present a patient who developed nocardiosis and recurrent brain abscesses despite having no immunodeficiency problems. The abscess recurred despite total abscess excision and parenteral therapy. After nocardiosis was diagnosed, intravenous treatment with imipenem and amikacin was initiated. The patient was discharged on oral doxycycline. In our immunocompetent case, the abscess recurred four times, resulting in death.