Case reports of nocardiosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

INTRODUCTION: We present 4 local cases of nocardiosis in HIV-infected patients and discuss the diagnosis, clinical syndromes and therapy of nocardiosis. CLINICAL PICTURE: Two cases presented with pulmonary nocardiosis, one had a cervical lymph node abscess and one had disseminated nocardiosis with pulmonary, cerebral and soft tissue involvement. TREATMENT: Combination therapy is often employed. Sulphonamides or co-trimoxazole, amikacin, imipenen, minocycline and ceftriaxone are some of the drugs that could be used. OUTCOME: Outcome hinges on the early recognition and optimal treatment of this infection. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentations vary and diagnosis is difficult and frequently delayed. Nocardiosis should be suspected in patients who present with pulmonary lesions with soft tissue and/or cerebral abscesses.