Epididymo-orchitis and testicular abscess due to Nocardia asteroides complex

Urology. 2005 Mar;65(3):591. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2004.09.008.

Abstract

Nocardia asteroides complex is a rare human pathogen chiefly affecting immunosuppressed patients. We present the sixth case of epididymo-orchitis attributable to this organism. A 78-year-old man presented to the Mayo Clinic with fever and weight loss after being treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone for an immune-mediated vasculitis. He was found to have a testicular abscess, and orchiectomy was performed. N. asteroides complex was identified on the wound cultures. Sulfa therapy was begun. In previous case reports, this condition carried a 50% mortality rate. Patients who survive seemed to benefit from aggressive surgical debridement and long-term sulfa therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications
  • Abscess / microbiology*
  • Aged
  • Epididymitis / complications
  • Epididymitis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nocardia Infections*
  • Nocardia asteroides*
  • Orchitis / complications
  • Orchitis / microbiology*
  • Testicular Diseases / complications
  • Testicular Diseases / microbiology*