A Nocardia brasiliensis Infection Secondary to a Loxosceles reclusa Bite: A Spinal Cord Stimulation Case Report

Cecilia A Maclae1, David A Provenzano1, Leonard A DeRiggi2

  • 1Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, Sewickley, PA.

Pain Medicine Case Reports
|September 16, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nocardia brasiliensis infection can occur after a brown recluse spider bite, leading to delayed spinal cord stimulator implantation. Prompt diagnosis and long-term antibiotics are crucial for successful treatment and device implantation.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Nocardia brasiliensis is an uncommon pathogen, rarely associated with insect bites.
  • Ulcerative wounds, such as those from a brown recluse spider bite, can facilitate Nocardia brasiliensis infection.
  • The phospholipase D toxin from Loxosceles reclusa bites may contribute to infection development.

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