What disease is caused by Nocardia?
Nocardiosis is an infectious pulmonary disease characterized by abscesses in the lungs. These abscesses may extend through the chest wall. The infection is spread through the body via the bloodstream by a microorganism called Nocardia asteroides.
How do you get Nocardia?
Nocardia bacteria are found in soil around the world. You can get the disease by breathing in dust that has the bacteria. You can also get the disease if soil containing nocardia bacteria gets into an open wound.
Can Nocardia be cured?
Nocardiosis usually can be cured with antibiotics, but not all of them will work against the bacteria. Your doctor might need to run some lab tests to see which ones will work best for you. Then you might need to take them for 6 weeks up to a year, depending on how serious your infection is.
Is Nocardia fatal?
Nocardia farcinica infections are rare and potentially life threatening.
How serious is nocardiosis?
Up to 44% of all people with infection in the brain or spinal cord die. The risk for death is much higher for patients with very weak immune systems—more than 85% of them die after developing nocardiosis of the brain or spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of Nocardia?
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Night sweats.
- Cough.
- Chest pain.
- Pneumonia.
How long does Nocardia last?
Treatment typically lasts from six months to a year. However, more severe infections may require treatment for a longer period. If you develop an abscess due to this infection, your doctor may recommend surgery to drain it.
Is Nocardia a mold?
Nocardia is a genus of weakly staining Gram-positive, catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. It forms partially acid-fast beaded branching filaments (acting as fungi, but being truly bacteria).
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| Nocardia | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Nocardiaceae |
| Genus: | Nocardia Trevisan 1889 (Approved Lists 1980) |
| Type species |
Who is at risk for Nocardia?
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).