A case of intraocular infection caused by Nocardia brasiliensis in a patient who is immunocompetent. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Cuiyun; Lu, Jiehong; Yao, Jie
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 130(2023)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Nocardia brasiliensis -- Intraocular infection -- Immunocompetent; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.02.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Intraocular infection caused by Nocardiosis is rare in individuals who are immunocompetent. The application of new technologies for rare pathogen identification must be considered. This case aims to increase clinician awareness of nocardiosis. Identifying potential pathogens infection is key to early diagnosis. Abstract : Nocardia is a rare opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects the skin, lungs, and central nervous system. Intraocular infection caused by Nocardia species is a rare event in individuals who are immunocompetent. We herein present a case of a female individual who is immunocompetent, with a left eye injury caused by a contaminated nail. Unfortunately, this exposure history was not recognized at the initial visit, which led to a delay in diagnosis and the eventual development of intraocular infections with multiple hospital admissions in a short period of patients. A definitive diagnosis of Nocardia brasiliensis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. With the original intention of reporting the case, we hope that physicians should be aware of rare pathogen infections, especially when conventional antibiotic therapy is ineffective, to avoid untimely treatment and poor prognosis. Furthermore, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry or next-generation sequencing should be considered as new techniques for identifying pathogens.