A case of disseminated infection with Nocardia brasiliensis in a lung transplant recipient
Palmer, S.M.; Kanj, S.S.; Davis, R.D.; Tapson, V.F.
Transplantation 63(8): 1189-1190
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-1337 PMID: 9133485 Document Number: 483250
Background: Infection with Nocardia species is an increasingly recognized complication of solid organ transplantation. Nocardia asteroides accounts for most transplant-related nocardiosis, while Nocardia Brasiliensis rarely causes infection in organ transplant recipients. Methods: We describe a case of disseminated infection with N. brasiliensis in a single-lung transplant recipient who also had concomitant infections with viral and fungal organisms. Results: Although the mortality rate is high in immunocompromised patients with disseminated Nocardia infection, our patient responded favorably to prolonged antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: This case illustrates that N. brasiliensis, like N. asteroides, produces pulmonary disease and dissemination in solid organ transplant recipients, and demonstrates the utility of prolonged treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in Nocardia infections.