Pulmonary nocardiosis

Alternative names:

nocardiosis - pulmonary

Definition:

An infection of the lung; pneumonia that is caused by a fungus-like bacterium.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The causative organism is present throughout the world, and the infection is acquired through inhalation, causing a pneumonia-like illness. It does not clear with short term antibiotic treatment, and signs of progressive lung damage occur. The disease can spread to any part of the body, but brain lesions and subcutaneous (under the skin) lesions are most common.

The risk factors include immunosuppression and chronic therapy with corticosteroids. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people. Lung (pulmonary) manifestations of nocardiosis are more common in children than adults.