Nocardiosis of the Central Nervous System: A rare complication of COVID management?

Abstract

This case report examines a previously immunocompetent male that was treated with a prolonged course of corticosteroids for COVID pneumonia. He then returned with worsening headaches followed by flaccid paralysis of extremities due to cerebral and spinal cord abscesses secondary to Nocardia farcinica. A review of the literature on the mechanism of immunosuppression with COVID infection and corticosteroids is provided.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Coronavirus
• Nocardiosis
• Nocardia farcinica