Nocardia Flashcards
What type of bacteria are Nocardia?
Pleomorphic, gram+, Facultative intracellular bacterium (non-motile/non-spore-forming)
What is the shape of the Nocardia?
rods, cocci, OR cocobaccilli
Is Nocardia pathogenic?
Not usually pathogenic for immunocompetent people
Where is Nocardia found?
Soil and water (saprophytes)
How does Nocardia typically infect a host?
- Penetrating wound infections by SOIL contamination
- Nosocomial infections - mastitis during cry-cow treatment
Soil contamination produces what?
Pleural/peritoneal empyema, and subcutaneous infections (mycetoma) - with SULFUR GRANULES
Where do you observe Sulfur Granules with Nocardia infections?
In resulting EXUDATE
Nocardiosis is considered what type of pathogen?
An opportunistic pathogen
How do you diagnose Nocardia?
Direct stain, Acid-fast, histopathology
Where would you see sulfur granules? (In what pathogenesis?
Pyogranulomatous infections with Sulfur Granules
What is the BEST drug combination choice for Systemic, threatening infections of Nocardia?
Aminoglycosides and a carbapenem
What is another effective method for control:
Trimethoprim/sulfa
Is control considered easy or difficult?
DIFFICULT
