Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
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.
Background:
Nocardia brasiliensis, an uncommon human pathogen, is rarely seen in infections secondary to insect bites or stings. However, Nocardia brasiliensis can infect an individual through an ulcerative wound, such as one mediated by the phospholipase D toxin immune response following a Loxosceles reclusa (i.e., brown recluse spider) bite.
Case Report:
This report presents the case of a patient who underwent a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial with an unknown brown recluse spider bite on her left foot. We describe the Nocardia brasiliensis cutaneous infection following a brown recluse bite and the effective management of the infection through long-term antibiotic use, which allowed for the eventual successful implantation of the SCS.
Conclusion:
The present case urges health care providers to conduct thorough, full-body examinations prior to any surgical procedure to identify and treat all remote infections prior to SCS implantations, as advised by the Neurostimulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee's recommendations for infection prevention.
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.
More Related Videos
07:16Contusion Spinal Cord Injury via a Microsurgical Laminectomy in the Regenerative Axolotl
Published on: October 20, 2019
04:33Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Published on: November 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
The Spinal Cord
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology