Learning About Nocardiosis

Nocardiosis is a rare bacterial infection. It mainly affects the lungs, skin, and central nervous system. It can also cause ulcers or nodules on the skin. These sores can drain and spread the bacterium (nocardia) into the lymph nodes. Nocardiosis begins in the lungs or on the skin, but it can spread to any organ in the body.

Symptoms include fever, weight loss, chills, night sweats, cough, chest pain, and pneumonia. Nocardiosis can also cause headaches, weakness, and confusion. It can cause seizures if the disease has spread to the central nervous system. Nocardiosis can be fatal.

Nocardia bacteria are found outside in standing water, decaying plants, and dirt. The bacterium thrives on farms and in warm, wet climates. People can get infected by inhaling it. They can also get it through open wounds. Anyone can catch nocardiosis. Risks for getting it include:

• Being older.
• Having chronic lung disease.
• Being immunocompromised.
• Having HIV or AIDS.
• Having had an organ transplant.
• Having diabetes.
• Having alcohol use disorder.
• Taking high doses of corticosteroid.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history and your symptoms. You may have a CT scan or a chest X-ray. You also may have a lab test called a culture, which uses samples from the infected areas of your body. This can include samples from the lungs, brain, sputum, and skin.

Nocardiosis is treated with antibiotics. You might need combinations of antibiotics. Treatment may last for several months or longer. Any abscesses or wounds may need to be surgically drained.