Observation of Nocardia Asteroides Complex in a Patient with Corneal Ulceration: The First Case Report from Iran

Abstract

Background & Aims: Nocardia asteroides is gram-positive, partially acid-fast, aerobic actinomycetes which cause a wide range of skin infections, and pulmonary, cerebral, and ocular infection. Case Presentation: A 60-year-old man with diabetes presented with ocular ulcers in 2015. Through the medical records evaluation, physical examination, and biochemical evaluation of the patient, Nocardia asteroides complex was identified as the cause of infection. The patient was treated with amikacin and ciprofloxacin, and recovery was obtained and the patient was placed on the waiting list for corneal transplantation. Conclusion: Diagnosis of keratitis caused by Nocardia asteroides is difficult and it may be misdiagnosed due similarities with keratitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Therefore, suitable diagnosis methods and early diagnosis of ocular nocardiosis are necessary. In the present study, Nocardia asteroides complex was isolated from a corneal ulceration.

Keywords

• ocular nocardiosis
• nocardia asteroides
• keratitis