Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infection of the lung with the bacteria, Nocardia asteroides.
Nocardia infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. The infection causes pneumonia -like symptoms. The infection can spread to any part of the body.
People at highest risk for nocardia infection are those with a weakened immune system. This includes people who have:
Other people at risk include those with chronic lung problems related to smoking, emphysema, or other infections such as tuberculosis.
The goal of treatment is to control the infection. Antibiotics are used, but the response to treatment may be slow and you must keep taking the medications for at least 3 months. Patients who have medication allergies will need to take other antibiotics.
Surgery may be needed to remove or drain infected areas.
The outcome is usually good with quick diagnosis and treatment. The outcome is poor when the infection spreads and treatment is delayed.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chance of a good outcome.
Be careful when using corticosteroids. Use these drugs sparingly, in the lowest effective doses and for the shortest periods of time possible.
Some patients with an impaired immune system may need to take antibiotics for long periods of time to prevent the infection from returning.
Nocardiosis - pulmonary