BACKGROUNDNocardiosis is caused by an aerobic actinomycete, most commonly introduced through the respiratory tract. The Nocardiae are gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria. Primary cutaneous nocardiosis infections are rare and caused by the traumatic introduction of organisms percutaneously. The manifestation is usually an opportunistic infection. Cutaneous involvement may develop as one of four types: mycetoma, lymphocutaneous infection, superficial skin infection, or systemic disease with cutaneous involvement. Diagnosis and evaluation of appropriate specimens are principally by culture.CASE PRESENTATIONA 55-year-old female patient with diabetes type II presented with chronic skin lesions on the hand. Otherwise, her medical history was unremarkable. There were no signs of systemic disease. Direct examination of swabs demonstrated gramme bacteria and culture on Sabouraud agar was positive for Nocardia spp. The specimen of nocardiae was not identified. The patient was treated during nine months with sulfamethoxazole plus trimethoprim. There was an important clinical improvement of the cutaneous aspect of the lesions in hand. Some scars and fibrosis remained after nocardiosis.CONCLUSIONSPrimary cutaneous nocardiosis of the hand is a rare condition. The clinical diagnosis is difficult, and culture is mandatory.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.