Nocardia brasiliensis gluteal abscess in an immunocompetent young male: A case report and literature review of Nocardiosis

Abstract

Nocardiae are aerobic gram positive filamentous bacteria that are acid fast when stained by modified acid fast staining. They are called “Aerobic actinomycetes” because of their resemblance to actinomycetes in gram stain. They usually cause infections in immunocompromised individuals but can affect the immunocompetent as well. We have described here the report of an immunocompetent young male who presented with nocardial gluteal abscess. Nocardia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any systemic illness and must be ruled out prior to making any other diagnosis. Correct suspicion of nocardiosis by the treating physician and the clinical microbiologist and early treatment of nocardiosis can be life saving to a great extent. Gram staining and modified acid fast staining performed together can definitely help in arriving at the exact diagnosis at the earliest. Keywords: Nocardiosis, Nocardia, Nocardial abscess, Nocardia in immunocompetent, Nocardia brasiliensis infection.