Multiple nodules accompanied by pulmonary nocardiosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><em>Nocardia</em> a common saprophyte of soil is an opportunistic pathogen that may cause invasive and disseminated infections in patients with compromised immune function. Pulmonary nocardiosis is one of the common invasive infections which may pursue a perilous course in patients with underlying chronic lung disease and patients on long term steroids. Any evidence of the presence of this organism even in potentially contaminated sample like sputum deserves due cognizance because of rare occurrence of <em>Nocardia</em> as laboratory contaminants. Identification and institution of appropriate therapy is absolutely critical to the positive clinical outcome of this otherwise fatal infection.</p>