ABSTRACT
Nocardiosis has been reported increasingly in recent two decades, probably due to improvement in isolation of the organism and increased burden of immune compromised patients. Nocardia occasionally has been reported in healthy people. A case series of definitive Nocardiosis (2002 to 2010), clinical characteristics, underlying diseases, immune status and in-patient outcome were studied in a tertiary referral center. Twenty one patients with definite diagnosis of Nocardiosis were studied. 17 cases (81%) had an underlying disease (diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid therapy, and chronic granulomatous disease and collagen vascular diseases). Four patients (19%) were immune-competent without any predisposing disease. In 17 patients (81%), Nocardiosis was limited to respiratory tract and in 4 cases (19%) it was disseminated with multi organ involvement. Two cases (9.5%) died in hospital.
ABSTRACT
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are not solely diseases of childhood. We describe the clinical presentation and outcome for 55 adult patients with previously unrecognized PIDs. This series provides unique data regarding PIDs presenting in adulthood, and serves as a timely reminder that physicians must consider the diagnosis of PIDs in their adult patients. Using the experience gained from these patients, we outline key "warning signs" suggestive of an underlying PID. Only through increased physician awareness will patients with PIDs receive timely diagnosis and optimal management.
