Nocardiosis: a review

Int J Infect Dis. 2003 Dec;7(4):243-50. doi: 10.1016/s1201-9712(03)90102-0.

Abstract

Infections caused by Nocardia species are infrequent but challenging to clinicians. They cause a wide variety of diseases in both normal and immunocompromised patients. In recent years, the number of case reports has been increasing, and this can be attributed to the improvements in diagnostic capabilities and the higher clinical index of suspicion accompanying the increased prevalence of immunosuppressed patients. The treatment of nocardiosis also requires expertise. This report reviews the epidemiology, physiopathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of this aerobic bacterial disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia Infections* / diagnosis
  • Nocardia Infections* / pathology
  • Nocardia Infections* / therapy
  • Nocardia*
  • Opportunistic Infections
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / pathology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents