Multiple brain abscesses caused by Nocardia asiatica: Case report and literature review. 2023

Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.

Nocardia are opportunistic pathogens mainly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Nocardia asiatica, a novel species, can cause severe infections. We present a case of multiple brain abscesses due to Nocardia asiatica, discussing its diagnosis and treatment. In January 2022, a 27-year-old Chinese woman with a history of atypical membranous nephropathy presented with low-grade fever, cough, limb weakness, and headaches. Imaging revealed lung and brain lesions. Neurological symptoms worsened over time, culminating in recurrent seizures and severe headaches. A brain MRI confirmed multiple abscesses. Craniotomy and lesion removal were performed, leading to a diagnosis of brain abscesses caused by Nocardia asiatica. Empirical antibiotics were followed by targeted regimen. After successful treatment, the patient remained symptom-free during follow-ups. Nocardia asiatica multiple brain abscesses are exceedingly rare. This case underscores the importance of considering nocardiosis in immunosuppressed patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Timely neurosurgical intervention and effective antibiotic therapy are crucial. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing proved invaluable for rapid diagnosis. Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and a carbapenem followed by TMP-SMX alone achieved disease control. This case contributes to the understanding of Nocardia asiatica infections and highlights the role of neurosurgical procedures in managing disseminated nocardiosis.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries

Related Publications

Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
September 2017, Annals of laboratory medicine,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
June 2021, Anaerobe,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
January 2016, Surgical neurology international,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
January 2015, Mediterranean journal of hematology and infectious diseases,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
January 1954, Revue neurologique,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
January 2023, Infection and drug resistance,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
September 2017, Acta neurochirurgica,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
January 2000, Surgical neurology,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
April 1985, Mikrobiyoloji bulteni,
Shanmu Jin, and Xiaopeng Guo, and Hao Xing, and Dingding Li, and Yu Wang, and Wenbin Ma
November 1983, Revista clinica espanola,
Copied contents to your clipboard!