Background: Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) is an opportunistic infection that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Currently, evidence regarding PN is scarce. In one third of cases, it may occur in immunocompetent patients. Local alterations of lung defenses, like in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis (B), predispose to PN. Aim: To describe a case series of PN. Methods: From our about 200 medical charts in 2022, we selected all subjects with a laboratory confirmation of PN. Results: Table 1F female; BO bilateral opacities; TiB tree-in-bud; N. Nocardia; TMP-SMX Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; L Linezolid Conclusion: B should be investigated as a possible risk factor for PN and, in patients with recurrent or persistent exacerbations of B PN should always be considered in the differential diagnosis. An implemented and shared PN register may help to better understand this emerging infection.
Pulmonary nocardiosis as an emerging infection in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Niceforo, Mariapia;De Francesco, Miriam;Gaeta, Roberta;Di Giorgi, Federica;Pistelli, Francesco;Carrozzi, Laura
2023-01-01
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) is an opportunistic infection that usually affects immunocompromised patients. Currently, evidence regarding PN is scarce. In one third of cases, it may occur in immunocompetent patients. Local alterations of lung defenses, like in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis (B), predispose to PN. Aim: To describe a case series of PN. Methods: From our about 200 medical charts in 2022, we selected all subjects with a laboratory confirmation of PN. Results: Table 1F female; BO bilateral opacities; TiB tree-in-bud; N. Nocardia; TMP-SMX Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; L Linezolid Conclusion: B should be investigated as a possible risk factor for PN and, in patients with recurrent or persistent exacerbations of B PN should always be considered in the differential diagnosis. An implemented and shared PN register may help to better understand this emerging infection.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
