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Pathogenic Nocardia isolated from clinical specimens including those of AIDS patients in Thailand
1Department of Medical Sciences, National Institute of Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Abstract:
Forty strains of nocardioform microorganisms were isolated as clinical specimens including several from AIDS patients in Thailand. Among them, 37 strains were found to belong to the genus Nocardia. Our identification studies revealed that most of the strains (25 strains) belong to the N. asteroides group, i.e., N. asteroides sensu stricto and N. farcinica. Three strains were identified as N. otitidiscaviarum and two strains N. brasiliensis. In addition, 7 strains of rare pathogenic N. transvalensis were also isolated.
Insights
This study identified 37 Nocardia strains from clinical samples in Thailand, including rare species. Nocardia asteroides group and Nocardia transvalensis were most common, highlighting their clinical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Clinical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nocardia species are increasingly recognized opportunistic pathogens.
- Clinical Nocardia isolates require accurate identification for effective treatment.
- Thailand presents a unique epidemiological landscape for Nocardia infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize Nocardia strains isolated from clinical specimens in Thailand.
- To determine the prevalence of different Nocardia species in this region.
- To assess the presence of rare or emerging Nocardia pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of nocardioform microorganisms from clinical samples.
- Phenotypic and genotypic methods for Nocardia species identification.
- Analysis of isolate origins, including patient demographics and underlying conditions.
Main Results:
- Thirty-seven of forty isolated nocardioform strains belonged to the genus Nocardia.
- The Nocardia asteroides group (N. asteroides sensu stricto, N. farcinica) comprised the majority (25 strains).
- Rare species including Nocardia transvalensis (7 strains), Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (3 strains), and Nocardia brasiliensis (2 strains) were identified.
Conclusions:
- The Nocardia asteroides group is the predominant cause of nocardiosis in the studied Thai population.
- The isolation of rare Nocardia species underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and treatment of Nocardia infections in Thailand, particularly in immunocompromised patients.