Nocardial Infection in the Early Period after Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Patients with solid organ transplant have weaker immune system and can develop opportunistic infections. Prophylactic antimicrobials can help lower that risk but do not prevent it completely. High index of suspicion increases the chance of diagnosing rare opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients and helps early and effective treatment. We present a unique case of a patient who developed pneumonia from Nocardia early after kidney transplant despite being on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis. He was diagnosed and treated early which helped improving his outcome. We discuss incidence, risk factors, and treatment of nocardiosis post kidney transplant.