Nocardiosis and actinomycosis in the Mashonaland Province of Rhodesia
Cruickshank, J.G.; Riley, M.J.; White, R.M.
Central African Journal of Medicine 21(7): 152-158
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-9176 PMID: 1182790 Document Number: 85993
The cases of 7 patients aged 10-52 yr with such infections are presented. Nocardia asteroides was isolated from 3 (from the leg and arm of one, the left iliac fossa of another and from lymph nodes of the 3rd which was a case of madura foot requiring amputation). The remaining 4 were diagnosed as nocardiosis (3) or actinomycetales infection (1), affecting buttocks, spine, legs and groin. Penicillin for actinomycosis and sulphonamides and other antibiotics for N. spp. were used successfully. The authors suggest that cases often go unrecognised particularly if single lesions only are seen. Problems of diagnosis and management are discussed and the importance of distinguishing between the agents is emphasized.