Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
12:04
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Primary nocardial meningitis in systemic lupus erythematosus
1University Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Nocardia can cause serious opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights primary nocardial meningitis, a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition, emphasizing its consideration in subacute meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nocardia species are opportunistic pathogens frequently affecting immunocompromised hosts.
- Nocardiosis typically manifests as pulmonary disease, with central nervous system involvement being less common.
- Brain abscess is the usual form of central nervous system nocardiosis.
Observation:
- A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with symptoms mimicking chronic meningitis.
- The patient's condition did not improve with empirical antibiotic therapy.
- The patient's condition worsened, ultimately leading to death.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination confirmed nocardial meningitis.
- Crucially, no associated brain abscesses or pulmonary lesions were identified.
- This represents an extremely rare presentation of primary nocardial meningitis.
Implications:
- Primary nocardial meningitis without CNS abscesses is a rare but critical diagnosis.
- Nocardial meningitis should be included in the differential diagnosis for subacute meningitis in immunocompromised patients.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are vital for improving outcomes in nocardiosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...