[Nocardiosis: clinical observations apropos of 9 cases]

Rev Clin Esp. 1989 Dec;185(9):454-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We have retrospectively analyzed 9 cases of nocardiosis that were studied in our hospital over the past 10 years. 66% of the patients had an associated disease and half of them were on steroid treatment. The clinical manifestations of the infection were pulmonary and cutaneous and in 44% of cases, it disseminated to the central nervous system. The diagnosis was made in all cases isolating the microorganism from pulmonary secretions, puss, spinal fluid and blood. Nocardia asteroides was isolated in 8 cases, and nocardia caviae in one case. There was a 55% mortality rate. The different clinical presentation and evolution are reviewed, as well as prognostic factors and antimicrobial treatment of nocardiosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Abscess / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia Infections / complications*
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed