Nocardial brain abscess in an immunocompetent host

Indian J Med Microbiol. 2008 Jul-Sep;26(3):274-7. doi: 10.4103/0255-0857.42052.

Abstract

Nocardial infection of the central nervous system is rare and usually manifests as brain abscess. Here we describe an elderly gentleman who presented with signs and symptoms of an intracranial mass lesion localising to the frontal lobe. Clinical examination and CT scan suggested neoplasia as the probable diagnosis. A biloculated abscess was seen at surgery. Aspiration of the contents and examination of pus revealed Nocardia asteroides . Treatment included total excision and prolonged antibiotic therapy which resulted in an excellent outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • Brain Abscess / surgery
  • Head / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Nocardia Infections / microbiology
  • Nocardia Infections / surgery
  • Nocardia asteroides / isolation & purification*
  • Suppuration / microbiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents