TB or Not TB: Lung Nocardiosis, a Tuberculosis Mimicker.
Cureus
; 16(3): e55412, 2024 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38567215
ABSTRACT
Nocardia, a gram-positive bacterium found in soil and water, rarely causes infections in immunocompetent patients. Diagnosing and treating nocardiosis can be challenging due to its infrequency and the similarity of its symptoms to other diseases. We describe the case of a middle-aged male with a history of latent tuberculosis who presented with hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a persistent lung mass, and pathology and microbiology studies confirmed Nocardia infection. The patient was treated with antibiotics and discharged home. Pulmonary nocardiosis can mimic tuberculosis, fungal infections, or malignancies. Immunocompetent patients make up one-third of the cases. Diagnosis can be difficult, as the organism takes time to grow in culture, but molecular techniques and histology can aid in diagnosis. Treatment often involves a six- to 12-month course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Prompt identification of the etiological agent is essential for effective treatment, especially for immunocompetent patients who may not exhibit typical risk factors.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cureus
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos