Disseminated Nocardiosis: The Complexity of the Diagnosis

J Med Cases. 2021 May;12(5):205-208. doi: 10.14740/jmc3673. Epub 2021 Mar 5.

Abstract

Nocardiosis is a rare infection in immunocompetent patients. Nocardia spp. is an uncommon cause of prostate abscesses and is responsible for only 1-2% of brain abscess. Hematogenous dissemination can occur, and presentation of abscesses in more than two locations is required to determine a disseminated nocardiosis. The microbiological diagnosis of this agent is still a challenge due to the complexity of its identification in regular laboratories. An early diagnosis and adequate treatment with effective antibiotics are critical for treating this entity. We report a case of a patient who presented with brain abscess with a previous medical history of prostate abscess to Nocardia spp. which evolved to disseminated nocardiosis.

Keywords: Brain abscess; Disseminated nocardiosis; Immunocompetent; Nocardia spp..

Publication types

  • Case Reports