Introduction: Nocardia infections are uncommon, and the clinical experience with this pathogen is limited.
Methods: We describe the clinical characteristics of a series of 22 patients (17 men) with Nocardia infection seen between 1997 and 2008.
Results: Mean age was 63.2+/-19.2 years. The most common clinical forms observed were lower respiratory tract infection (15/22, 68%, 8 bronchitis and 7 pneumonia) mainly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10/22, 45%), and skin involvement (4/22, 19%). Seven different Nocardia species were recovered, the most common being N. asteroides (n=6), N. abscessus (n=4), and N. cyriacigeorgica (n=4). Sensitivity studies, available in 16/22 patients, showed that all Nocardia were sensitive to cotrimoxazole. N. cyriacigeorgica caused respiratory infections (2 bronchitis and 2 pneumonia) with a mortality rate of 50%.
Conclusion: The most common clinical form of Nocardia infection is a lower respiratory tract infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Infections by N. cyriacigeorgica are increasing.