Primary cutaneous Nocardia asteroides infection with dissemination

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic pathogen.
• Cutaneous nocardiosis can arise from traumatic inoculation.
• Dissemination is a known but rare complication.

Observation:

• A 77-year-old man with mild diabetes developed a hand infection after an injury.
• The infection was initially untreated, leading to local invasion.
• The Nocardia asteroides infection subsequently spread to the lungs and skin.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of Nocardia asteroides actinomycetoma with dissemination.
• The patient experienced both pulmonary and cutaneous spread.
• The infection demonstrated significant invasiveness despite mild underlying diabetes.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous nocardiosis.
• It highlights the potential for severe systemic complications, even in seemingly mild cases.
• Further research into risk factors and treatment strategies for disseminated nocardiosis is warranted.