What causes nocardiosis?

Nocardiosis is a disease caused by bacteria found in soil and water. It can affect the lungs, brain, and skin. It is most common in people with weakened immune systems who have difficulty fighting off infections (for example, people with cancer or those taking certain medications such as steroids).

How do you test for nocardiosis?

Respiratory secretions, skin biopsy samples, and aspirates from abscesses are the most common specimens from which Nocardia species are identified. Direct smears or histopathologic stains of these specimens can be highly suspicious, as noted above. Nocardia species can usually be isolated in 3-5 days.

What is disseminated nocardiosis?

Disseminated nocardiosis is defined as involvement of two noncontiguous sites that may or may not include a pulmonary focus. From a pulmonary or cutaneous focus, Nocardia can disseminate to virtually any organ.

What are the symptoms of nocardiosis?

The symptoms of nocardiosis vary depending on which part of your body is affected. Nocardiosis most commonly occurs in the lungs. If your lungs are infected, you can experience: When lung infections occur, the infection can spread to the brain. If your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is infected, you can experience:

What are the signs of menopause (perimenopause)?

In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms: Symptoms, including changes in menstruation, are different for every woman. Most likely, you’ll experience some irregularity in your periods before they end. Skipping periods during perimenopause is common and expected.

How long does nocardiosis last?

Nocardiosis may last from several months to years. It is essential that the infection be diagnosed and differentiated from tuberculosis and pneumonia. Nocardiosis is caused by Nocardia asteroides, a bacterium that is carried up into the air from the ground and may be inhaled.

How is the diagnosis of Nocardia confirmed?

Chest X-rays, CT scans and viewing the lungs through an optical filament (bronchoscopy) can confirm the diagnosis and determine whether abscesses are present. Nocardia organisms are usually resistant to penicillin. Sulfonamide drugs may be prescribed.