A rare case of primary cutaneous Nocardia vinacea in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a review of the literature

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2024 Jul;109(3):116307. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116307. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

Abstract

The nocardiae are a complex group of bacteria belonging to the aerobic saprophytes actinomycetes. Although nocardiosis typically occurs in immunocompromised patients, infection may occasionally develop in immunocompetent patients as well. Here we describe a rare case of primary cutaneous nocardiosis due to Nocardia vinacea in an immunocompetent 79-year-old patient. Since cutaneous nocardiosis presents variably and mimics other cutaneous infections, acid-fast and Gram stainings on clinical samples are significant to obtain a rapid and presumptive diagnosis.

Keywords: Cutaneous nocardiosis; Immunocompetent; Nocardia vinacea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Male
  • Nocardia Infections* / diagnosis
  • Nocardia Infections* / drug therapy
  • Nocardia Infections* / microbiology
  • Nocardia* / classification
  • Nocardia* / genetics
  • Nocardia* / isolation & purification
  • Skin / microbiology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial* / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents