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Pulmonary nocardiosis

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Definition:

Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infection of the lung that is caused by the fungus-like bacteria Nocardia asteroides .

Alternative Names:

Nocardiosis - pulmonary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Nocardia infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. The infection causes pneumonia-like symptoms but the infection can spread to any part of the body. Brain and skin infections are the most common complications.

In the United States, there are 500 to1,000 new cases of nocardia infection diagnosed each year.

People at highest risk for nocardia infection are those with weakened immune systems. This including persons with HIV, those who have had an organ transplant, or people taking l steroid medicines for a long time. People who have chronic lung problems related to smoking, emphysema , or other infections such as tuberculosis are also at increased risk.

• Review Date: 7/28/2006
• Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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