An infection in disguise.

Nocardia is gram positive partially acid fast bacilli and widely present in soil, fresh water, marine water, organic matter habitats and so saprophytic in existence Nocardiasis is a rare bacterial infection and thus bacteria can be localized or systemic suppurative disease in humans. They may be rarely present on the skin and in the upper respiratory tract. Here we present a rare case of buccal space infection where in the culture reported nocardial infection. In our case the nocardiosis seems to be opportunistic and could have been inoculated following fall in the mud in this alcoholic state. Patient was treated with Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and Amikacin and he responded well.