Nocardiainfections in cats: a retrospective multi‐institutional study of 17 cases

Abstract

Nocardiosis is a rare, serious disease. Currently it is more common in cats than dogs. Nocardial panniculitis may be clinically indistinguishable from the syndrome caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria. Although the prognosis is guarded, patients with localised infections caused by N nova often respond to appropriate therapy. If definitive treatment is delayed because of misdiagnosis, the disease tends to become chronic, extensive and refractory. Insufficient duration of therapy leads to disease recurrence.

Pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis due to Nocardia nova in a cat

“…In the current case, the histopathology and mainly the molecular analysis were paramount for the diagnosis of pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis due to N. nova. Histopathological lesions were similar to those visualized in other previously reported cases (LUGUE et al, 2002;MALIK et al, 2006). Actinomyces spp., Streptomyces spp., Mycobacterium spp., Rhodococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Dermatophilus congolensis and saprophytic fungi should be considered as differentials for cutaneous nocardiosis (RIBEIRO et al, 2002;MALIK et al, 2006).…”

“…Nocardiosis affects especially dogs and cats, but can infect other species, such as cattle, horses, pigs, poultry, and humans (RIBEIRO et al, 2008). The main lesions observed in companion animals include skin lesions, pyothorax and pneumonia (MALIK et al, 2006). In the present case, the lesions were restricted to skin and adjacent tissues and there were no clinical signs compatible with pulmonary and disseminated involvement.…”

“…Some authors cite higher prevalence of nocardiosis in male cats because they are often roaming or fighting and the lesions are associated to scratches or bite wounds (SYKES, 2012). Usually, animals with cutaneous nocardiosis can present transcutaneous transmission and contagion by penetration of the agent into the skin, causing cellulitis, pustules, pyoderma, or abscesses (MALIK et al, 2006). In the current report, it was not possible to determine the precise route and source of infection.…”

Nocardia nova identification in a transtracheal wash of a horse with recurrent airway obstruction

“…nova affects several species, such as birds, wild mammals, and domestic species including cattle, dogs and cats (Confer et al 1981, Bacciarini et al 1999, Malik et al 2006, Ribeiro et al 2008. A tracheobronchial lavage allowed cytological identification of a fungal or actinomycete organism.…”

“…The appropriate identification of N. nova by molecular techniques and in vitro susceptibility tests allows the selection of antimicrobials with good activity against the particular infecting species (Malik et al 2006). N. nova is generally susceptible in vitro to sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, carbapenems, cephalosporins 3 rd generation injectables and ampicillin, but it is resistant to amoxicillin/ clavulanate (Ambaye et al 1997, Brown-Elliott et al 2006, Cercenado et al 2007.…”