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[Nocardiosis in immunocompromised host presenting as cellulitis]

Hilmar Asgeirsson, Bryndis Sigurdardottir

    Laeknabladid
    |June 4, 2010
    PubMed

    Insights

    Nocardia farcinia is a rare opportunistic infection. This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon infections in immunocompromised patients in Iceland.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Nocardia species are uncommon bacterial pathogens, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
    • Nocardiosis is exceedingly rare in Iceland, with only two prior documented cases.

    Observation:

    • A 92-year-old male with metastatic bladder cancer and on glucocorticoid therapy presented with hand swelling, erythema, and cognitive decline.
    • Imaging revealed a brain lesion and pulmonary nodules.
    • Nocardia farcinia was isolated from a hand abscess.

    Findings:

    • The patient received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment.
    • Despite treatment, the patient experienced rapid deterioration.
    • An end-of-life decision was made due to the patient's age and condition.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the need to consider rare opportunistic infections like nocardiosis in immunocompromised patients.
    • It emphasizes the diagnostic challenges and management complexities of Nocardia infections in specific patient populations.
    • The report contributes to the limited data on nocardiosis in Iceland.
    Abstract

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