Nocardial brain abscesses in a HIV positive patient misinterpreted as tubercular brain abscesses.

ABSTRACT

We present a case of nocardial (Nocarda transvalensis) brain abscesses in a HIV infected person with CD4 count of 53 cells/ml, who received antitubercular therapy for one year. A magnetic resonance imaging study showed multiple ring-enhancing lesions in right parieto-occipital parenchymal region along with perilesional edema and mass effect. Right posterior temporal burr hole aspiration of the abscesses and postoperative cotrimoxazole and ampicillin-sulbactum therapy cured the patient. It is a case of HIV infection with rare and sole manifestation of multiple cerebral abscesses due to N. transvalensis.