Brain Abscess Due to Nocardia:  Report of a Case

THE FUNGUS-LIKE organism Nocardia is capable of producing a variety of diseases in man ranging from superficial dermatoses to deep-seated infection of internal organs and the central nervous system. Visceral nocardiosis is usually caused by N asteroides. In tropical areas, Nocardia species give rise to subscutaneous infections with large granulating masses and draining sinuses especially on the lower extremities. The infection usually remains localized with a protracted course. The commonest visceral infections involve the lung with a variable clinical course often confused with other diseases. An acute pneumonic process may mimic bacterial or viral pneumonia and may be mild and self-limiting. Chronic disease with localized infiltrations, cavitation, and abscess formation may also occur. Hematogenous spread from pulmonary primary infection can involve almost any organ. Initial signs and symptoms may be related to infection of the central nervous system or other organs with no apparent primary lung infection.

Report of a