Brain Abscesses by Nocardia: An Interesting Case

Abstract

The successful management of disseminated Nocardia infection is not well described in medical literature. Immunocompetent individuals presenting with complicated and widespread Nocardia infection is an uncommon phenomenon. We describe an interesting case of a large Nocardia abscess in the brain in an immunocompetent patient that was aspirated. The patient clinically improved and was discharged home on a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics and close outpatient follow-up. He successfully finished the antibiotic therapy for one year, and repeat imaging studies suggested the resolution of the abscess. With this case, we also intend to do a brief literature analysis about the management of brain abscess caused by Nocardia species.