Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nocardia is an uncommon pathogen in humans, and most patients with nocardiosis are immunocompromised, with variable etiologies. To understand the incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of pulmonary and bloodstream nocardiosis, we conducted a retrospective study in two tertiary care hospitals in northern Taiwan. METHODS: We reviewed laboratory culture reports and clinical records of 29 adult patients with lower respiratory tract or bloodstream nocardiosis (21 and 8 patients, respectively) in two tertiary care hospitals, over a period of 5 years. The risk factors, clinical manifestations, response to therapy, outcome and recurrence rate were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary or disseminated nocardiosis is rare but may be fatal as an opportunistic infection in an immunocompromised host with chronic lung disease, underlying malignancy or long-term steroid usage. The significance of primary nocardemia needs careful evaluation. Concomitant infection was the probable predisposing factor for intensive care unit admission for pulmonary nocardiosis in our study (p=0.019) and might obscure the isolation of nocardiae organisms and delay effective treatment. For critical patients with nocardiae infection, initial therapy with a combination antimicrobial regimen is recommended.
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Authors | Ming-Huang Tuo, Ying-Huang Tsai, Hsiang-Kuang Tseng, Wei-Sheng Wang, Chang-Pan Liu, Chun-Ming Lee |
Journal | Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi
(J Microbiol Immunol Infect)
Vol. 41
Issue 2
Pg. 130-6
(Apr 2008)
ISSN: 1684-1182 [Print] England |
PMID | 18473100
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Aged
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Bacteremia
(drug therapy, microbiology)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hematologic Diseases
- Hospitalization
- Hospitals
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Lung Diseases
(drug therapy, microbiology)
- Male
- Nocardia
(physiology)
- Nocardia Infections
(drug therapy, microbiology)
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Taiwan
- Treatment Outcome
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