Meningioma Meningotelial cerebeloso complicado con absceso único a Nocardia / Meningioma Meningotelial cerebellar complicated with unique abscess to Nocardia

La presentación de abscesos cerebrales relacionados a meningiomas es muy poco frecuente. Usualmente son causados por bacterias comunes, siendo la Nocardia un agente etiológico excepcional. Presentamos la primera descripción en Paraguay de un absceso cerebral a Nocardia Spp asociado a meningioma en un paciente inmunocomprometido por consumo prolongado de corticoides (dexametasona).

The presentation of cerebral abscesses related to meningiomas is very rare. They are usually caused by common bacteria, nocardia being an exceptional etiological agent. We present the first description in Paraguay of a cerebral abscess to Nocardia spp associated meningioma in an immunocompromised patient for prolonged corticosteroid consumption (dexamethasone).

Nocardiosis pulmonar y del sistema nervioso central: el alcoholismo como factor de inmunocompromiso / Pulmonary and central nervous system nocardiosis: Alcoholism as an immunocompromising factor

La nocardiosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial; de forma habitual se encuentra en zonas tropicales y afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, sin embargo, también existen casos reportados de infección en personas inmunocompetentes. Esta infección es causada por actinomicetos del género Nocardia spp. que son bacterias Gram positivas, saprófitos ambientales. Aunque la exposición a Nocardia spp. es casi universal, solo una pequeña fracción de las personas expuestas desarrollan la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 47 años, sin dato de inmunosupresión, procedente de un área rural de Boyacá, que consultó por un cuadro clínico de cefalea intensa e intermitente, con parestesias y, finalmente, alteración del estado de conciencia. Se practicó una resonancia magnética cerebral, en la que se evidenció una lesión que ocupaba espacio de localización córtico-subcortical en la región fronto-témporo-parietal izquierda, con efecto compresivo y desplazamiento de las cavidades del sistema ventricular. Se sospechó, inicialmente, una lesión neoplásica o un absceso cerebral. El paciente fue sometido a una resección quirúrgica, y el cultivo de la lesión documentó Nocardia africana/nova; en estudios posteriores, se evidenció un posible foco pulmonar primario. Como único factor de riesgo en el paciente, se documentó alcoholismo. Completó seis semanas de tratamiento antibiótico intrahospitalario con evolución clínica y radiológica, y egresó con plan de un año de terapia antibiótica ambulatoria. Aunque la enfermedad por Nocardia spp. afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, la "evidencia" clínica demuestra que este microorganismo también puede ser una amenaza para individuos sin los factores de riesgo tradicionales para inmunosupresión.

Nocardiosis is a disease with worldwide distribution. It is usually found in tropical areas and mainly affects immunocompromised patients, however, there are also cases where its infection has been reported in immunocompetent patients. This pathology is caused by bacteria known as Nocardia spp., which are gram-positive microorganisms and environmental saprophytes, and although exposure to Nocardia spp. is almost universal, only a small fraction of exposed people develops the disease. We present the case of a 47-year-old man, with no evidence of immunosuppression, from a rural area of Boyacá, who was admitted due to intense and intermittent headache accompanied by paresthesia and, finally, a decrease in consciousness. A brain magnetic resonance was performed and evidenced a fronto-temporo- occipital space-occupying lesion in the cortico-subcortical region with a compressive effect and displacement of the ventricular system cavities. It was suspected at first a neoplastic lesion or a brain abscess. The lesion was surgically resected, and its culture showed Nocardia africana/nova. In later studies a possible primary pulmonary focus was evidenced. Alcoholism was the only risk factor documented. The patient completed 6 weeks of hospital antibiotic treatment with favorable clinical and radiological evolution and was discharged with a 1-year plan of outpatient antibiotic therapy. Although Nocardia spp. mainly affects immunocompromised patients, evidence shows that this microorganism can also be a threat to individuals without traditional immunosuppression risk factors.

Case analysis of brain abscesses caused by Nocardia asiatica: A case report / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnosis key points of brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica, and provide a clinical basis for diagnosing and treating intracranial infection caused by Nocardia. Methods　A case of pulmonary Nocardia asiatica complicated with brain abscess diagnosed at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University was selected to analyze the clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, pulmonary and cranial imaging features, and treatment plan, and to summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience. Results　The patient was an elderly woman with a history of diabetes, dry cough was the first symptom without fever or headache. At the beginning of the course, it was diagnosed as pulmonary infection and tuberculosis in the local hospital, and received conventional antimicrobial and anti-tuberculosis therapies, but showed no improvement. The patient developed progressive limb weakness, followed by consciousness disorders, and coma. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adenosine deaminase and lactate dehydrogenase were not abnormal, CSF pressure, protein and white blood cells were high, mainly with multiple nuclear cells. CSF glucose and chloride were normal in the early stage of the disease, but decreased significantly in the later stage. Metagenomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid indicated Nocardia asiatica with a specific sequence number of 537. Lung CT showed exudation, abscess, and cavity in the right lung. Skull MRI scan + enhancement suggested multiple scattered abscesses in both cerebral hemispheres. The abscesses were of different sizes and showed ring enhancement, with extensive surrounding edema, and ventricular compression. After treatment with meropenem, linezolid, and compound sulfamethoxazole tablets, the cerebrospinal fluid recovered, and the lesions in the lungs and intracranial structures improved. Conclusions　Brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica is similar to the tuberculous brain in clinical symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid examination, craniocerebral imaging, so we should be alert to the possibility of Nocardia infection in patients with diabetes. At the same time, metagenomic testing of the cerebrospinal fluid can help confirm the diagnosis. The mortality and disability rates of brain abscess caused by Nocardia are high. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.

Pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum a case report and literature review / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. Methods　The clinical data of a patient with pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum were reported, and the clinical characteristics, laboratory characteristics and drug sensitivity of pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum were summarized in combination with the relevant literature at home and abroad from January 2010 to December 2022. Results　A 67-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital on June 30, 2020 because of "repeated chest tightness and shortness of breath for 3 years, aggravated cough, expectoration and fever". The sputum, alveolar lavage fluid and blood of the patient were collected for culture, and the detected pathogenic bacteria were identified. There are pathogenic bacteria growing in sputum and alveolar lavage fluid, which are identified as Nocardia otitidiscaviarum by Autof ms mass spectrometer. According to the results of pathogenic bacteria and the patient's condition, meropenem combined with compound sulfamethoxazole tablets were given anti-infection treatment, and the patient's condition improved and discharged. Conclusion　The clinical manifestations and imaging features of nocardiosis are lack of specificity, and are prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Etiology is the key to disease diagnosis, and clinical examination and culture should be conducted in time.

Exosomes derived from Nr-CWS pretreated MSCs facilitate diabetic wound healing by promoting angiogenesis via the circIARS1/miR-4782-5p/VEGFA axis / 中国天然药物

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (Exos) were reported to a prospective candidate in accelerating diabetic wound healing due to their pro-angiogenic effect. MSCs pretreated with chemistry or biology factors were reported to advance the biological activities of MSC-derived exosomes. Hence, this study was designed to explore whether exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs (hucMSCs) preconditioned with Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) exhibited superior proangiogenic effect on diabetic wound repair and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that Nr-CWS-Exos facilitated the proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells in vitro. In vivo, Nr-CWS-Exos exerted great effect on advancing wound healing by facilitating the angiogenesis of wound tissues compared with Exos. Furthermore, the expression of circIARS1 increased after HUVECs were treated with Nr-CWS-Exos. CircIARS1 promoted the pro-angiogenic effects of Nr-CWS-Exos on endothelial cellsvia the miR-4782-5p/VEGFA axis. Taken together, those data reveal that exosomes derived from Nr-CWS-pretreated MSCs might serve as an underlying strategy for diabetic wound treatment through advancing the biological function of endothelial cells via the circIARS1/miR-4782-5p/VEGFA axis.

Genetic variability of the 16S rRNA gene of Nocardia brasiliensis, the most common causative agent of actinomycetoma in Latin America and the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. It is characterized by the progressive growth of nodules and granulomatous lesions on the legs, arms, and trunk. It is potentially disfiguring and causes disability or amputations in working-age people from marginalized areas. The causative agents can be fungi (eumycetoma) or actinobacteria (actinomycetoma), the latter being the most common in America and Asia. Nocardia brasiliensis is the most important causal agent of actinomycetoma in the Americas. Taxonomic problems have been reported when identifying this species, so this study aimed to detect the 16S rRNA gene variations in N. brasiliensis strains using an in silico enzymatic restriction technique. The study included strains from clinical cases of actinomycetoma in Mexico, isolated from humans and previously identified as N. brasiliensis by traditional methods. The strains were characterized microscopically and macroscopically, then subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by PCR. The amplification products were sequenced, and consensus sequences were constructed and used for genetic identification and in silico restriction enzyme analysis with the New England BioLabs® NEBcutter program. All study strains were molecularly identified as N. brasiliensis; however, in silico restriction analysis detected a diversity in the restriction patterns that were finally grouped and subclassified into 7 ribotypes. This finding confirms the existence of subgroups within N. brasiliensis. The results support the need to consider N. brasiliensis as a complex species.

Acid-fast bacteria as causative agents of skin and soft tissue infections: case presentations and literature review

ABSTRACT Acid-fast bacteria can be implicated in skin and soft tissue infections. Diagnostic identification can be challenging or not feasible by routine laboratory techniques, especially if there is no access to the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology. Here, we present two cases of skin and soft tissue infections caused by two different acid-fast bacteria, Nocardia brasiliensis and Mycobacterium marinum. They both grew on Löwenstein-Jensen medium, Sabouraud agar medium and blood agar medium. Both bacteria appeared acid-fast by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Gram-positive by Gram stain. The identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and gene analysis. N. brasiliensis and nontuberculous mycobacterium M. marinum represent rare pathogens that cause severe skin and soft tissue infections. Failure to identify the causative agent and subsequent inappropriate or inadequate treatment may lead to severe complications or even disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Mining Novel Anti-Nocardia Drug Targets Based on Pan-genomics and Subtractive Proteomics / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveNocardia is an apathogen that causes opportunistic infections in humans and has a global distribution. In recent years， resistance of Nocardia to commonly used drugs have been observed， highlighting the urgent need for the identification of new drug targets and the development of novel antimicrobial agents against Nocardia. MethodsThirty-one complete genome sequences of Nocardia strains were retrieved from the GenBank database. Pan-genomic analysis was performed using BPGA， and drug target candidates were screened using subtractive proteomics. Homology modeling was employed to predict the 3D structures of target proteins， and potential drugs targeting these proteins were predicted using DrugBank. Molecular docking techniques were utilized to validate the binding activity between the drugs and target proteins. ResultsThe pan-genomic analysis of the 31 Nocardia strains revealed 1 421 core proteins. Fifteen candidate drug target proteins were identified through subtractive proteomics analysis. Among them， the physicochemical properties of the OG1493 protein （such as amino acid count， molecular weight， isoelectric point， grand average of hydropathicity， fat index，and instability index Ⅱ） were found to be most suitable for a drug target protein. Using the DrugBank database， seven compounds， namely Adenosine-5'-Rp-Alpha-Thio-Triphosphate， alpha，beta-Methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate， Phosphoaminophosphonic Acid-Adenylate Ester ，Radicicol，2-Hydroxyestradiol， p-Coumaric acid， and Ethylmercurithiosalicylic acid were identified as potential compounds capable of exerting anti-Nocardia effects by targeting this protein. Molecular docking results indicated a strong binding affinity between the target protein and these compounds. The experimental result showed that that Radicicol could be a potential antibacterial drug targeting this particular protein. ConclusionPan-genomic analysis and subtractive proteomics are valuable approaches for mining novel anti-Nocardia drug targets.

Nocardia otitidiscaviarum as Possible Etiologic Agent of Non-resolving Pneumonia

Nocardia otitidiscaviarum is an infrequent cause of nocardial pneumonia and rarely affects non-immunocompromised individuals. Pneumonia may not resolve if the causative organism is not susceptible to the empirically given antimicrobial drug. Amoxicillin朿lavulanic acid is a commonly used initial empiric antibiotic for suspected community-acquired bacterial pneumonia on outpatient basis. We report an unusual case of N. otitidiscaviarum as a possible etiologic agent of non-resolving pneumonia due to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid resistance in a previously healthy adult male.

Micetoma por Nocardia asteroides / Nocardia Asteroids Mycetoma

Introducción: En 1860 Henry Van Carter introdujo la definición del micetoma y desde 1884 se reportan los primeros casos en África (Sudán, Senegal). Estas infecciones afectan la piel, el tejido celular subcutáneo y, en ocasiones, los músculos, los huesos, y pueden diseminarse por la cavidad torácica, la abdominal, y por otras regiones del cuerpo. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de micetoma por Nocardia asteroides con evolución desfavorable y tratamiento. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 47 años de edad que sufrió hace 18 años un trauma en la rodilla izquierda con herida avulsiva y evolución desfavorable por infección. Diez años después presentó en el mismo sitio múltiples lesiones fistulosas con drenaje activo, secreción serohemática escasa y no fétida. En varias ocasiones fue llevado al salón de operaciones para realizarle debridamientos quirúrgicos y toillete y recibió múltiples tratamientos antibióticos y antifúngicos. Se concluyó el caso como un micetoma y se aisló una Nocardia asteroides. El paciente estuvo en desacuerdo con la amputación de la extremidad como tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo. Llegó a nuestro centro en octubre del 2020 con mal estado general y extensión severa del proceso infeccioso en toda la extremidad. Se planificó una hemipelvectomía como tratamiento definitivo, pero desafortunadamente el paciente falleció antes, debido a complicaciones generales. Conclusiones: Ante la aparición del micetoma es importante definir el alcance de la infección para determinar el tipo de tratamiento a utilizar, ya que bien empleado y de forma oportuna, puede salvar la vida al paciente sin dejar graves secuelas(AU)

Introduction: In 1860, Henry Van Carter introduced the definition of mycetoma and since 1884 the first cases have been reported in Africa (Sudan, Senegal). These infections affect the skin, the subcutaneous cellular tissue and, sometimes, the muscles, the bones, and it can spread throughout the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, and other regions of the body. Objective: To report a case of mycetoma due to nocardia asteroides with unfavorable evolution and treatment. Case report: We report the case of a 47-year-old male patient who suffered a left knee trauma 18 years ago with an avulsive wound and unfavorable evolution due to infection. Ten years later, he presented, in the same site, multiple fistulous lesions with active drainage, scant serohematic, non-fetid secretion. On several occasions he was taken to the operating room for surgical debridement and toilette and he received multiple antibiotic and antifungal treatments. The case was concluded as a mycetoma. Nocardia asteroides was isolated. The patient disagreed with limb amputation as definitive surgical treatment. He came to our treatment center in October 2020 with poor general condition and severe extension of the infectious process throughout the limb. A hemipelvectomy was planned as definitive treatment, but unfortunately the patient deceased before due to general complications. Conclusions: Before the appearance of mycetoma, it is important to define the extent of the infection to determine the type of treatment to use, since it can save the patient's life if properly used and in a timely manner without leaving serious sequelae(AU)

Membranous nephropathy complicated by Nocardia infection: 1 case report and literature review / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of membranous nephropathy complicated with Nocardia infection, and to improve the understanding of Nocardia infection.Methods:The clinical data of a patient with membranous nephropathy complicated by Nocardia infection who were hospitalized in the department of respiratory medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were retrospectively analyzed. Using " Nocardiosis" and " membranous nephropathy" on China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and Wanfang databases, and using " Nocardiosis" and " menbranous nephropathy" as keywords to search the pubmed database to summarize the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment points of patients with membranous nephropathy complicated by Nocardia infection.Results:This patient is a 47-year-old middle-aged male. He was admitted to the respiratory medicine department in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University due to " coughing and expectoration of sputum for 2 months, and a mass in the left lower extremity was found for 20 days" . Lung computed tomography (CT) showed that multiple nodules and changes in pleural effusion were seen in the right pleura. The sputum smear showed Gram-positive bacilli, and the smear of the mass puncture fluid of the left lower extremity showed Gram-positive bacilli (branched). After treatment with compound sulfamethoxazole, meropenem and levofloxacin successively, the phlegm was obviously improved, and the mass in the left lower extremity was basically absorbed. After 2 months of follow-up, the pleural effusion and the mass in the left lower extremity were completely absorbed. A total of 4 literatures were collected in the literature search, including 6 cases of this case, including 3 cases (50%) of Nocardia anthracis, 1 case (16.7%) of Nocardia otitis in guinea pigs, and 1 case of Nocardia stellariformis (16.7%). 1 case (16.7%) was not classified.Conclusions:Although Nocardia anthracis is rare in patients with membranous nephropathy, it can easily cause systemic disseminated infection. Therefore, in immunocompromised patients, attention should be paid to the occurrence of Nocardia infection. Co-sulfamethoxazole should be used empirically before Nocardia infection is confirmed. For sulfonamide-resistant strains, linezolid and other drugs can be used for anti-infective treatment.

Pseudomicosis por oportunistas: desconocimiento y retos diagnósticos / Pseudomycosis due to opportunists: Lack of knowedge and diagnostic challenges

Resumen Se denominan pseudomicosis a las infecciones generadas por microorganismos que parecen hongos pero que no lo son. En esta revisión se abordan desde una perspectiva etiológica, epidemiológica y clínica algunas de las pseudomicosis por oportunistas más frecuentes: actinomicosis, botriomicosis, nocardiosis y prototecosis. Adicionalmente, se revisan las herramientas clínicas y paraclínicas para facilitar su diagnóstico y se actualizan las pautas de tratamiento.

Abstract Infections generated by microorganisms that look like fungi but are not fungal are called pseudomycosis. This review addresses pseudomycosis by more frequent opportunists: actinomicosis, botryomycosis, nocardiosis and prototechosis, from an etiological, epidemiological and clinical perspective. In addition, clinical and paraclinical tools are reviewed to facilitate diagnosis, and and treatment guides are updated.

Brain Abscess Caused by Nocardia: Case Report and Literature Review

Nocardia brain abscess is a rare clinical entity, accounting for 2% of all brain abscesses, associated with high morbidity and amortality rate 3 times higher than brain abscesses caused by other bacteria. Proper investigation and treatment, characterized by a longterm antibiotic therapy, play an important role on the outcome of the patient. The authors describe a case of a patient without neurological comorbidities who developed clinical signs of right occipital lobe impairment and seizures, whose investigation demonstrated brain abscess caused by Nocardia spp. The patient was treated surgically followed by antibiotic therapy with a great outcome after 1 year of follow-up.

Clinical analysis ofnocardia infection in lung transplant recipient: a report of five cases / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and imaging features of nocardia infection (NI) after lung transplantation and boost the diagnosis and treatment of NI.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, basic profiles, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features and treatment outcomes of 5 lung transplant recipients with a diagnosis of NF were retrospectively analyzed and summarized with the relevant literatures. There were 4 males and 1 female with a median age of 66(26-69) years. 3 patients were single-lung transplantation, 2 patients were bilateral-lung transplantation. The median time from an initial diagnosis of NI to lung transplant surgery was 6(5-19) months. Common symptoms included fever, cough with yellow phlegm and shortness of breath. Laboratory findings showed lymphopenia, significantly high C-reactive protein levels, a slight elevation of procalcitonin, hypoproteinemia and anemia. The major manifestations of high-resolution computed tomography (CT) included multiple nodules, consolidation, cavitation and pleural effusion.Results:Five strains of N. farcinica were identified from bloodstream infection ( n=2) and pulmonary infection ( n=3). After with a combined therapy of two sensitive agents, all patients improved and were discharged from hospital. During follow-ups, one patient died and the remainders were cured. Conclusions:Nocardia infection occurs in lung transplant recipients mostly within 1 year post-operation. There are non-specific symptoms and imaging features of multiple nodules and consolidation. Combination therapy of sensitive agents is indicated for lung transplant recipients with NI.

Efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton for the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy and safety of Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) for the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus (EOLP).@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with clinically and pathologically diagnosed EOLP were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group according to the random number. Patients in the experimental group were treated with lyophilized powder containing Nr-CWS combined with normal saline. Patients in the control group received topical placebo without Nr-CWS combined with normal saline. Changes in the EOLP lesion area and the patient's pain level were recorded at the timepoints of weeks 1, 2, and 4 after the two different treatments, respectively. The changes of the patient's REU scoring system (reticulation, erythema, ulceration), the visual analogue scale and the oral health impact score (OHIP-14) were compared between the experimental group and control group after treatment, and the safety indicators of the two groups at the initial diagnosis and after 4 weeks' treatment were also observed, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Totally, 62 patients with clinically and pathologically diagnosed EOLP were enrolled, 2 of whom were lost to the follow-up, with 31 in the experimental group, and 29 in the control group. The mean age of the experimental group and control group were (52.9±12.4) years and (54.07±12.40) years, respectively. There was no significant difference in the oral periodontal index between the experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, the erosive area of oral lichen planus was significantly reduced 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the Nr-CWS's treatment (P < 0.05), the reduction rate was 81.75%, the patient's pain index was also decreased (P < 0.05), and in addition, the OHIP-14 was reduced (P < 0.05). The changes of the REU scoring system, the visual analogue scale and the OHIP-14 were significantly different between the experimental group and control group after treatment. There was no significant difference in the safety index between the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The priliminary data show that the Nr-CWS is effective and safe to treat EOLP.

Clinical features of 24 cases of nocardiosis / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with nocardiosis, so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment of nocardia infection in the future.Methods:From May 2016 to October 2020, 24 patients with nocardiosis in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were enrolled, and their clinical data including clinical features, laboratory examinations, imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment process, and outcome were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 24 patients with nocardiosis, 18 cases (75.0%) were males, and the median age was 54.5 years.Twenty-three patients had underlying diseases, of which the most common disease was antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-related vasculitis (16.7%(4/24)). Of nine species of Nocardia identified from the 24 patients, Nocardia farcinica was the most common species (seven cases). The lesion sites were mainly lungs (70.8%(17/24)), skin and soft tissues (42.0%(10/24)), brain (25.0%(6/24)) and blood system (17.0%(4/24)). There were 12 cases (50.0%) of patients with more than two lesion sites. The clinical manifestations, imaging examinations and laboratory tests of the 24 patients were not specific. The diagnosis depended on the etiology. Nineteen patients received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-based combination therapy, and two were discontinued due to adverse reactions of sulfa drugs. After treatment, 19 cases (79.2%) were improved and five cases (20.8%) died. Conclusions:Patients with nocardiosis often have atypical clinical manifestations, and multiple organs are easily affected.Early and accurate identification and rapid and effective anti-biotic therapy are the keys to improve the overall prognosis of these patients.

Infección por Nocardia cyriacigeorgica en paciente con infección por VIH en etapa SIDA / Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection in AIDS patient

Resumen La nocardiosis es una infección localizada o sistémica que afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, siendo la localización pulmonar el sitio más frecuente. La transmisión proviene principalmente de la inhalación de esporas o mediante la inoculación directa en la piel y mucosa ocular. Se han descrito más de 90 especies de Nocardia, de éstas más de la mitad son reconocidas como patógenos en humanos. Las especies de importancia médica más conocidas son Nocardia farcinica, Nocardia abscessus, Nocardia nova y Nocardia brasiliensis. En Chile hay casos publicados de infección por Nocardia asteroides y N. farcinica. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica se considera una especie emergente, no habiendo casos descritos previamente en nuestro país. Presentamos el caso clínico de una nocardiosis pulmonar en un paciente con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA).

Abstract Nocardiosis is a localized or systemic infection that mainly affects immunocompromised patients, with pulmonary localization being the most frequent site. The transmission comes mainly from the inhalation of spores or by direct inoculation into the skin and ocular mucosa. More than 90 species of nocardia are described, of which more than half are recognized as pathogens in humans. The best known species of medical importance are Nocardia farcinica, Nocardia abscessus, Nocardia nova y Nocardia brasiliensis. In Chile, there have been published cases of Nocardia asteroides and Nocardia farcinica infections. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica is considered an emerging species, there being no cases previously described in our country. We present a clinical case of pulmonary nocardiosis in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient.

Micosis y nocardiosis de implantación: esporotricosis, cromoblastomicosis, micetomas y nocardiosis. Casuística del Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Paraguay, período 1997-2019 / Mycosis and nocardiosis implantation: Sporotrichosis, Chromoblastomycosis, Mycetomas and Nocardiosis. Casuistics in the Central Laboratory of Public Health, Paraguay, period 1997-2019

RESUMEN Introducción: la esporotricosis, cromoblastomicosis y micetomas (micosis de implantación) y las nocardiosis cutáneas son causados principalmente por inoculación traumática de hongos y bacterias del ambiente. Son de difícil manejo por las complicaciones y la poca efectividad en el tratamiento debido a la consulta tardía de los pacientes. Objetivos: determinar las características demográficas, presentación clínica de los casos e identificación de los agentes causales de las micosis de implantación y nocardiosis cutánea a partir de los registros de la sección de Micología del Laboratorio Central en el período 1997 - 2019. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de fichas de las muestras de pacientes que acudieron al Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública en el período de estudio. Resultados: encontramos 11 pacientes con esporotricosis (complejo Sporothrix schenkii), 21 con cromoblastomicosis (Fonsecae pedrosoi complex) 47,6 %, Phialophora verrucosa 4,7 %), 4 micetomas (Scedosporium apiospermum, Acremonium kiliensi, Fusarium solani y Nocardia brasiliensis), y 7 nocardiosis cutánea (3 Nocardia brasiliensis, 2 Nocardia farcinica, 1 Nocardia transvalensis y 1 Nocardia sp.). Se mencionan presentación clínica y los departamentos de origen de los pacientes. Conclusiones: estas micosis son de impacto en salud pública y el enfoque para las acciones del gobierno y de las fundaciones no gubernamentales debe apuntar a la capacitación, pruebas diagnósticas, disponibilidad de antifúngicos e información a la población.

ABSTRACT Introduction: sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis and mousetomas (implantation mycosis) and cutaneous nocardiosis are mainly caused by traumatic inoculation of fungi and bacteria from the environment. They are difficult to manage due to complications and little difficulty in treatment due to the late consultation of the patients. Objectives: to determine the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation of cases and identification of the causative agents of implantation mycosis and cutaneous nocardiosis from the records of the Mycology section of the Central Laboratory in the period 1997-2019. Methodology: retrospective descriptive observational study of files of the samples of patients who attended the Central Laboratory of Public Health during the study period. Results: 11 patients were found with sporotrichosis (Sporothrix schenkii complex), 21 with chromoblastomycosis (Fonsecae pedrosoi complex 47.6%, Phialophora verrucosa 4.7%), 4 mice (Scedosporium apiospermum, Acremonium kiliensi, Fusarium solani and Nocardia brasiliens) and 7 cutaneous nocardiosis (3 Nocardia brasiliensis, 2 Nocardia farcinica, 1 Nocardia transvalensis and 1 Nocardia sp.). A clinical presentation and the departments of origin of the patients are mentioned. Conclusions: these mycoses have an impact on public health and the focus for the actions of the government and non-governmental foundations should be aimed at training, diagnostic tests, availability of antifungals and information to the population.

Nocardiosis linfocutánea en paciente inmunocomprometido

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de un paciente, agricultor, adulto mayor, portador de hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía isquémica y cáncer de próstata con metástasis en hueso en tratamiento conservador. Acude por cuadro de 15 días de evolución con flictenas en miembro superior y fiebre. Durante su internación se aísla en la secreción de piel Nocardia brasiliensis y es tratado con trimetoprin - sulfametoxazol. En el 15° de internación se agrega una neumonía asociada a los cuidados de la salud. Posteriormente se detecta una lesión ósea destructiva en columna a nivel de L3. Sale de alta con el diagnóstico de nocardiosis linfocutánea en paciente inmunocomprometido a los 31 días de internación con buena respuesta clínica y con planes de continuar antibióticoterapia.

ABSTRACT The case of a patient, an elderly farmer who has hypertension, ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer with bone metastases in conservative treatment, is presented. He consults for a 15-day evolution case with flictenas in the upper limb and fever. During hospitalization, Nocardia basiliensis is isolated in the secretion of skin and is treated with trimethoprine - sulfamethoxazole. In the 15th day of hospitalization, health care-associated pneumonia is added. Subsequently, a destructive bone lesion in the spine is detected at the L3 level. He is discharged with the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous nocardiosis in an immunocompromised patient after 31 days of hospitalization with a good clinical response and with plans to continue antibiotic therapy.

Abscesos cerebrales por Nocardia spp. en una paciente inmunocompetente / Multiple brain abscesses due to Nocardia spp. in an immunocompetent patient

La infección por Nocardia spp. no es común en pacientes inmunocompetentes. El tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico dirigido según las regiones anatómicas, no contempla las particularidades del germen y el análisis microbiológico se hace necesario para el tratamiento específico. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente previamente sana, inmunocompetente y sin factores de riesgo conocidos para la infección por Nocardia spp., con evidencia de compromiso en el parénquima pulmonar y la piel, que posteriormente desarrolló varios abscesos cerebrales.

The infection by Nocardia spp is not common in immunocompetent patients. The empirical antimicrobial treatment directed by anatomical regions does not contemplate the particularities of the germ and the microbiological analysis is necessary for the specific treatment. We present the case of a previously healthy and immunocompetent patient, without known risk factors for Nocardia spp. infection, with evidence of involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma and the skin and subsequent development of multiple brain abscesses.