Severe disseminated Nocardia brasiliensis pneumonia with normal immune function: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Members of the genus Nocardia brasiliensis are Gram-positive, aerobic bacteria and exist ubiquitously in most environments. In recent years, the incidence of Nocardia brasiliensis has increased significantly and become a global concern. It may be predominantly caused pulmonary infections in immunocompromised hosts. Interestingly, however, we found that it can be present not only on immunocompromised hosts, but also to infect patients with a normal immune system. Patient concerns: We report a very rare case of a 49-year-old immunocompetent man with disseminated Nocardia brasensis pneumonia. He had a fever for 14 days (maximum temperature about 38°C) and a history of mass rupture. Diagnoses: Severe Disseminated Nocardia brasiliensis pneumonia with normal immune function. Interventions: No. Outcomes: The patient was finally diagnosed with Severe Disseminated Nocardia brasiliensis pneumonia and received compound sulfamethoxazole treatment for 4 months. Lessons subsections: Our report highlights when cold pus appears in soft tissues such as the lower limbs, neck, nose, scalp, etc, should prompt timely evaluation and biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Be alert to a normally immunocompetent, disseminated Nocardia brasiliensis infection. Early recognition and effective treatment are necessary conditions for successful results. This would allow for better disease prognostication while enabling physicians to develop more effective treatment strategies.

Metagenome next-generation sequencing plays a key role in the diagnosis and selection of effective antibiotics on the treatment of Nocardia pneumonia: a case report

“…The Nocardia nova complex, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica , Nocardia farcinica are the most common pathogenic bacteria, and the cases of Nocardia otitidiscaviarum as pathogenic bacteria are few ( 3 ). Nocardia is generally considered to be an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in people with immune dysfunction, such as long-term oral hormone medications, diseases associated with malignant tumors and/or organ transplantation, and HIV patients ( 4 ). Infections caused by Nocardia spp.…”